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BUCKHANNON -- A distinguished Upshur County educator has been honored again, this time being named the West Virginia History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
Brian Allman, a social studies teacher at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, earned the annual recognition, which is given to one teacher in every state.
Allman was also honored with West Virginia's Milken Educator Award in 2019.
State History Teachers of the Year receive a prize package including a certificate of recognition, a $1,000 award, and a collection of classroom resources. Each winner's school will become a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School. Winners are honored in a ceremony in their state.
All state winners are finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year Award. A panel of former national winners, renowned historians and master teachers reviews all state winners' materials and selects the National History Teacher of the Year. The winner is announced in the early fall and receives a $10,000 award and a trip to the national award ceremony.
In order to be considered for the award, eligible teachers must first be nominated by a colleague, parent or student. After receiving a nomination, teachers must submit a resume, teaching materials, and a letter of recommendation to be considered for the state award. History Teacher of the Year winners are selected by a committee of educators and education professionals in their state.
According to the Gilder Lehrman Institute, recipients show "a demonstrated commitment to teaching American history; evidence of creativity and imagination in the classroom; and effective use of documents, artifacts, historic sites, oral histories, and other primary sources to engage students with American history."
Allman has said that "being consistent" is important for good teaching.
"It's being consistent and having routines. There is a standard and you are going to hold them to the standard but you are going to be there 100 percent of the time to help them," he said in 2019 after being named the recipient of a Milken Educator Award.
He has also offered advice to first-time teachers in a Milken article: "Spend your time wisely and structure your week to allow for personal breaks… Make sure you are investing resources, time and energy into activities, initiatives and lessons that will give a return on your investment… Your 'teacher toolbox' is empty at the beginning of your career, so make sure you build it in a strategic and useful manner. And find your school family and mentors. They are essential. You'll have support and won't have to do everything on your own."
Allman earned a bachelor's degree in second education and teaching from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2007, and a master's degree in educational leadership and administration from Marshall University in 2015.