Pleasanton Middle School history teacher Katherine Olenberg has been selected by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History as the 2024 California History Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Olenberg)
Pleasanton Middle School history teacher Katherine Olenberg was recently named the 2024 California History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehman Institute of American History, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching U.S. history from elementary through high school.
Founded in 2004, the New York-based organization annually recognizes K-12 history teachers across the country for their “outstanding contributions to the teaching of American history,” according to a July 17 press release from the nonprofit.
“When I found out I received this award, I was humbled and honored,” Ohlenberg told the Weekly. “This award means the world to me because not only do I come from Pleasanton schools, but it’s this community that helped me become a teacher in the first place.”
Olenberg is one of 53 recipients nationwide and is also a finalist for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced this fall.
“In times like these, history teachers play a vital role in shaping students’ understanding of the past and inspiring their hopes for the future,” Gilder Lehrman Institute president James G. Bhasker said in a press release. “Their unwavering commitment to educating young people is admirable, and we are extremely proud to honor some of the most outstanding educators from across the nation.”
With more than 10 years of experience at PMS, Orenberg is recognized for his innovative teaching methods that “bring history to life for diverse learners,” according to a press release.
“Parents and students respect Katie as a history teacher because of her passion, care and encouragement for her students,” said PMS Vice Principal Karen Cobb. “She welcomes every student in her class and has the ability to connect, differentiate and encourage those who are school dependent, have special learning needs or need a safe space.”
Orenberg said it’s important for students to know that the people in history books were people just like them, and that seeing themselves in these stories shows them that they too can grow and contribute to the country’s future.
“It is critical that students understand that studying our history and the founding principles of our nation will empower them to learn from the past while also protecting their own freedoms, extending justice and equality to all, and upholding our nation’s democratic process,” Orenberg said. “The more opportunities they have to use the subject of American history to see that they too can make a difference, the more determined they will be to participate as stakeholders.”
As part of his state award, Ohlenberg will receive a $1,000 honorarium and a major archive of books and educational materials on American history collected by the Gilder Lehrman Institute, according to a press release.
“It was people like Juanita Haugen, retired PUSD teachers and family members who acted in memory of former PUSD teachers who gave me scholarships to pursue a career in education,” Ohlenberg said. “I vowed to return to Pleasanton to give back to each and every one of them, so to receive this honor on behalf of a community that has given so much to me means the world to me.”
