May 4, 2021
Deborah Pettingill of Largo High School has been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award in the senior division of the National History Day® (NHD) National contest for Florida. This award is sponsored by Patricia Behringin in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students.
To be nominated for this award, Ms. Pettingill demonstrated commitment to engaging her students in historical learning through innovative uses of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in National History Day.
According to Dr. Cathy Gorn, the National History Day executive director, Pettingill a leading example for her peers and an invaluable resource for their students. Pettingill “clearly demonstrates creative teaching methods to engage (her) students with history, and helps them make exciting discoveries about the past,” Gorn said.
A national winner in Pettigill’s division will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians, and announced on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the NHD National Contest Awards Ceremony, which to be held virtually. All nominees will receive $500, and the two national winners will receive $10,000.
