Get to Know the 2017 History Teachers of the Year: Jason Steinagle, New York

This year, the Gilder Lehrman Institute recognized 52 State History Teachers of the Year for their tireless and innovative efforts to make history come alive for their students.

But who are they, really? We asked these talented teachers to answer a few questions about themselves and to reflect on the challenges and joys of teaching. We will feature one state winner every Tuesday and Thursday between now and September, so keep checking back to learn more about these outstanding educators!

This week, meet Jason Steinagle: 

Jason Steinagle, Hamburg Middle School
2017 New York History Teacher of the Year

Do you have a favorite/funny memory from teaching?
I had the opportunity to substitute teach an American history high school class early in my career. I knew that it was important to keep the attention of my young audience. This was a lesson on the American Revolution, so I gently pulled the wall map of the thirteen colonies down to show my students the location of the battles. As I told the stories of Lexington and Concord, I touched the map to show their proximity to Boston. Immediately, the map recoiled with such forced that it jumped off the metal hooks that attached it to the wall and came crashing to the floor narrowly missing my head. Needless to say, I had my students’ attention.

State one fun historical fact about the town you live in or grew up in.
I teach in Hamburg, New York, where, according to local folklore, the hamburger originated in 1885. Two brothers from Ohio, Frank and Charles Menches of Akron, owned a vendor booth that sold sausages at the Erie County Fair, one of the oldest and largest in the country. Unfortunately, they ran out of pork for their sandwiches. Charles was forced to buy ground beef because the local butcher shop also ran out of pork, and it was too hot to slaughter any more. He took the ground beef back, rolled it into a patty, and tossed it on a cast-iron stove. Then, he started mixing together things like coffee, brown sugar, and other common household ingredients. The brothers placed the patty between two pieces of bread and served it to a customer who took a bite and said, "This is good!! What do you call it?" Frank then looked up at a banner at the fair and responded, "It’s called a hamburger."

What is your favorite historical site or museum?
I have always enjoyed Old Fort Niagara, which was built by the French, strategically, at the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, controlling the trade of the Great Lakes. This is where my love of history began. I remember visiting as a fourth grader years ago, when I saw the old brick walls and I listened intently to the stories of the docents as we toured the French Castle, the Guard Towers, and the Powder Magazine. More importantly, the cannon demonstrations and reenactors created lasting memories. These experiences have inspired me to create learning experiences for my students that immerse them in the historical eras and instill a love and appreciation of their past. Every year my school visits the fort. My family and I also visit the fort every summer.

What advice would you give to young people, in high school or college, who may be considering a career in education but are unsure?
Be passionate about your students, your community, your subject, and your profession. Focus your energy to create an ideal classroom environment for your students and for yourself. Set high expectations beyond the minimal Common Core standards and provide the resources necessary for your students to be successful. Continue to learn throughout your career – if you stop learning, you stop teaching.

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Harriet Tubman. She provided hope and inspiration to millions of African American slaves during her time. Her courage is limitless, returning to the South several times to rescue her family and others even when her own health was compromised. 

What is your favorite historical film or series?
My favorite historical film is Glory. Every year, my students view the movie that celebrates the 54^th Massachusetts regiment during the Civil War. These men fought bravely to take Fort Wagner in South Carolina. Their courage was a major step in changing Northern attitudes concerning slavery and the purpose of the war. My students learn that participating responsibly can make a positive change in our community.