CLAREMORE — Last spring, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History announced Jan McClaren as Oklahoma’s History Teacher of the Year.
As a 26 year veteran high school teacher, McClaren was selected for her deep career commitment and promotion of American History.
Claremore teachers and faculty members gathered Wednesday morning at the CHS library to celebrate McClaren’s accomplishments and present her with the institute’s certificate of recognition.
“This is a great thing,” said CHS Principal Todd Steidley. “The state is honoring a woman who goes above and beyond, a teacher who wants students to do their best.”
After the acceptance, McClaren thanked everyone for the support.
“I am honored to represent Claremore and the state, she said. “It’s exciting to see our teaching recognized at a national level.”
Along with the certificate, McClaren received a prize package including a collection of classroom resources to be presented in her name to the school library and an invitation to participate in a Gilder Lehrman Institute summer seminar. In addition, Claremore High School is now recognized as a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School.
In 2008, she won the Medal for Excellence and was selected to be a part of the nation’s first George Washington Teaching Ambassador Program in Oklahoma.
The mission of the program was to teach students and teachers in the state about the Washington legacy.
A legacy similar to what McClaren wants for each of her students, to leave the world a better place for everyone.
She said there is a sign in her classroom that reads: a politician thinks of the next election, a statesmen of the next generation.
By providing an interactive learning environment and a passion for teaching history, McClaren undoubtedly practices what she preaches.
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