Introducing Michelle Mar, the 2018 Florida History Teacher of the Year

Michelle Mar 

Florida History Teacher of the Year 

Since 2004, 749 exemplary American history teachers from elementary, middle, and high schools in all fifty states, Department of Defense schools, Washington DC, and US territories have been named State History Teacher of the Year. The National History Teacher of the Year is named in the fall. 2018 State History Teachers of the Year were asked to answer informal interview questions by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. 

Do you have a favorite/funny moment from teaching? 

While teaching, I always tell my students to “write that down” because everything we discuss is going to be on the next test. On “dress up day" during the annual Spirit Week, some students dressed up like me for “Twin’s Day” in my bohemian style yoga stretch pants, oversized cheetah print shirts, mismatched scarves and wearing fanny packs. The students also had a paper pinned on their backs that said “Now write that down.” To top it off, my students created a rap song that mimicked me saying “now write that down” which won the talent show for SAS-North last year.

Tell us one fun historical fact about the town you live in or grew up in. 

My formative years were spent in Titusville, Florida, a small town where NASA was based. On my walk to school I watched the flames from the Apollo rockets take off into space from the NASA base. It was very exciting for a young impressionable child to witness the space program intimately. 

What was the last great history book you read?

Roy Basler’s Lincoln: His Speeches and Writings 

What is your favorite historical site or museum?

Emmitt Till’s historical marker is located in Money, Mississippi, which is located in front of the infamous grocery store. I had the honor of meeting Emmitt Till’s cousin, who shared his side of the story. 

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure who would it be and why?

My hero has always been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Every time I listen to his speeches, he inspires me to be a better teacher and to fight to make this country better. 

What is your favorite historical film or series?

Loving was one of my favorite historical movies that I saw last year. 

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?

My students’ favorite time period is the Progressive Era. My juniors and seniors like to learn about labor unions, immigration, and men and women fighting for civil rights and women’s suffrage.

Click here to nominate a teacher for the 2019 state and national awards.