Schools
Oak Forest High School Teacher Wins American History Award
Mike Brown won the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award for his efforts to teach American history during remote learning.
OAK FOREST, IL — An Oak Forest High School teacher has won a state award for his above and beyond lesson plans in 2020.
Mike Brown, American History teacher, took his virtual classes on a ride amid remote learning, traveling to historical locations, teaching his students about the history of some of the most memorable moments in our nation. Brown did this as a way to engage more with his students.
On March 13, Brown accepted the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award from the Swallow Cliff Chapter and the Illinois State Organization of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) at Trinity Christian College during a very small and socially distanced ceremony.
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"I've taught 25 classes live from various Revolutionary War sites and created another 15 video lessons. At every step of this adventure, I stressed to my students that all of these extraordinary events were accomplished by ordinary people, who through circumstances were able to find their extraordinary selves," Brown said in his acceptance speech. "Isn't that what being American is? We all come from vastly different backgrounds but our commonality is that we all have persevered to get to where we are. We all come from different race, religion, gender, cultural background. But as Americans we need to embrace our differences because that's what makes us unique in this world. It's what makes ordinary Americans, extraordinary."
Brown went on to read humbling emails from students, and thank his family for recognizing his efforts. To Brown, the journey was more than a teachable moment in curriculum.
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"I always tell my students that America is not a perfect place, and we are not perfect people. Yet we strive for perfect ideals, and that is what makes this country and its people special. It's what makes you special," Brown said.
Brown's application will now move on to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, D.C., for further consideration on a national level.
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