HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. -- A JCS middle school teacher has received recognition from a national historical organization. The West Virginia State Society of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) commended Alyson Whitacre, a social studies teacher at Harpers Ferry Middle School (HFMS), for outstanding service as a Teacher of Western Civilization. Ms. Whitacre said the recognition validated her dedication to social studies education.
"I was elated to be recognized by a historical organization like Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), which is so devoted to education and inspiring others to learn our history," she said.
Ms. Whitacre has taught seventh-grade Ancient Civilizations at HFMS for six years and is fascinated by the journey to know and understand the human experience. Her teaching philosophy fosters an excitement for social studies by making history hands-on, interactive, and movement-based.
"I want to provide the best experience possible to our students in Jefferson County," she said.
Ms. Whitacre initially won the 2023 Award for Outstanding Teacher in Social Studies from the NDSAR's local Bee Line Chapter following an application process that included a written essay on her teaching philosophy. The chapter forwarded the essay on to the state level of competition and purchased supplies for a planned archeology lab in Ms. Whitacre's classroom.
"Ms. Whitacre stood head and shoulders above other applicants for her abiding commitment to reaching the greatest percentage of learners in her classroom to ensure that the most students possible can grasp historical concepts," said Ross Brooke Watts, Ph.D., a representative of the Bee Line Chapter.
HFMS Principal Eric Vandell shared his pride in Ms. Whitacre for the local and state recognitions.
"Ms. Whitacre is one of our very best and makes a daily impact with her students through her hard work and dedication," he said. "She is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, delivers high-energy lessons that lead to higher levels of learning and thought, and connects with her students to ensure they are consistently set up for success."
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Whitacre enjoys a passion for archaeology and reading about the ancient world. This summer, she participated in an archeological dig of a medieval village in Yorkshire, England, where she unearthed pottery and structures from the 1200s.
"For me, there is nothing closer to history than digging it up out of the ground!" she said with a smile.
Pictured above: Ms. Whitacre with HFMS Principal Eric Vandell and NSDAR representatives