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News Release
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CONTACT: communications@lausd.net |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2024 |
Van Nuys High School Teacher Recognized
as History Teacher of the Year
Los Angeles, CA (June 26, 2024) – On June 13, the National History Day organization announced the two winners for its 2024 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year awards. Representing California, Van Nuys High School History and AP African American Studies teacher Aditi Doshi was recognized for her exemplary commitment to history education with a $10,000 cash prize.
Having worked in public schools for more than 20 years, Ms. Doshi is a dedicated historian who pushes her students to engage with primary sources and connect with the subject matter on a personal level. Her AP African American Studies course challenged students to consider how African Americans reconnected with their families after abolition and the Civil War using primary source materials like the famous “Last Seen” ads. Students then searched the historical record to discover if these formerly enslaved people were able to reunite with their loved ones.
“National History Day is an incredibly rigorous and empowering experience that immerses students in the power of original research,” Aditi Doshi said on winning the award. “I am thrilled that the Behring Teacher of the Year award recognizes the work we have done at Van Nuys High School to support our outstanding students.”
“Congratulations to Ms. Doshi on winning this prestigious award,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Engaging with difficult primary historical sources like this is a challenging but necessary task as we continue to promote equity and equality in our school communities.”
“I am delighted to hear that Ms. Aditi Doshi has won the National History Day 2024 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award,” Los Angeles Unified Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Ms. Doshi has made this district proud and her hard work is reflected not just in teaching her students effectively but also connecting with them, so they can develop into leaders. Congratulations, Ms. Doshi for this prestigious award. Los Angeles Unified is honored to have you in our community.”
“Ms. Doshi is an amazing person and a student-centered teacher; she is loved by all her students and their parents because she goes above and beyond to meet their needs.” Van Nuys High School Principal Lourdes De Santiago-Ramirez said. “She provides educational opportunities outside the classroom to ensure they are ready for the world.”
The National History Day Contest was established in 1974 and currently engages more than half a million students every year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. After months of research and project creation, students present their work as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website to judges at the county, state, and national levels. Van Nuys High School students have participated in the National History Day contest since 2020.
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.
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