Get to Know the 2017 History Teachers of the Year: Katherine Harrell, Kansas & Lance VanderWorst, South Dakota

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 a state winner every Tuesday and Thursday, so keep checking back to learn more about these outstanding educators!

This week, meet Katherine Harrell and Lance VanderWorst:

Katherine Harrell, Tonganoxie Middle School
2017 Kansas History Teacher of the Year 

State one fun historical fact about the town you live in or grew up in.
I live in Tonganoxie, Kansas, which is named after a Delaware Indian chief, whose name in the Delaware language translates to "shorty..

What is the last great history book you read?
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown.

What is your favorite historical site or museum?
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

What advice would you give to young people, in high school or college, who may be considering a career in education but are unsure?
Know that you will not get rich in this profession, but you will do very meaningful, positive, and enjoyable work.

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure who would it be and why?
I would like to travel back and meet Thomas Jefferson. I’m fascinated by his intelligence, talents, and complexity. I would love to ask him various questions about his views on slavery and government.

Who is your favorite historian?
David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin.

What is your favorite historical film or series?
The original Roots series.

Do you have a favorite historical topic or era?
The Civil War.

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?
Like their teacher, the Civil War.

Lance VanderWorst, Herreid Independent School District
2017 South Dakota History Teacher of the Year

Do you have a favorite/funny memory from teaching?
Watching the interaction between my students and our area veterans surrounding our school Veteran’s Day activities.

State one fun historical fact about the town you live in or grew up in.
The town of Herreid is named after South Dakota governor Charles N. Herreid. He became governor the same year that the town was founded (1901).

What is the last great history book you read?
Revolutionary Characters by Gordon S. Wood.

What is your favorite historical site or museum?
I love the historic sites in and around Boston.

What advice would you give to young people, in high school or college, who may be considering a career in education but are unsure?
You need to have a passion for helping kids, working with the public and your subject content area.

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure who would it be and why?
George Washington. His leadership in leading a ragtag army to defeat the greatest military power on Earth was nothing short of miraculous.

Who is your favorite historian?
Gordon S. Wood.

What is your favorite historical film or series?
Sons of Liberty.

Do you have a favorite historical topic or era?
The Revolutionary War era.

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?
Revolutionary War, Civil War, Indian Wars, World War II, and Vietnam.