Kyrene Teacher Nominated for MacGregor Teaching Award

Posted on March 21, 2019

Mr. Dave Carras, a teacher at Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy in Chandler, was nominated for the Hannah E. (Liz) MacGregor Teacher of the Year History Teacher Award.

The MacGregor Teacher of the Year award is presented to two teachers annually, along with $5,000,

for demonstrating a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills and participation in the National History Day Contest. Mr. Carras is the junior division nominee from Arizona.

“A common phrase I hear from Mr. Carras, whenever I thank him for going above and beyond, is ‘It’s all for the kids!’” said Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy Principal Nancy Branch. “Dave Carras is a teacher who continually goes above and beyond in order to inspire and engage students in their learning. If anyone is worthy of receiving this prestigious award, it would be him. His intense passion for history (as well as science, technology, engineering and math) awakens his students’ curiosity on a daily basis. He is a true gift to public education.”

Winners are chosen by a team of teachers and historians. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that interest students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past.

The two national winners will be announced at a ceremony on National History Day, June 13, 2019.