Toni Bolling Lutter

Jane Anderson, NBCT, Gila Butte DAR’s Outstanding Teacher of American History, has also won the Arizona State title. Ms. Anderson teaches at Kyrene Akimel A-Al Middle School where she has taught for nearly 20 years. Her status as National Certified Board Teacher (NCBT) is the result of a rigorous assessment process by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Each year, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) names Outstanding Teachers of American History at every level: chapter, state and national. Gila Butte DAR announced Ms. Anderson was its honoree and submitted her credentials to the Arizona DAR State Historian, whose judges selected Anderson as the Arizona DAR Outstanding Teacher of American History.

The Outstanding Teacher of American History Contest honors notable full-time teachers of history – as well as related fields such as social studies, government, and citizenship education – in public, private and parochial schools, grades five through 12. These teachers have demonstrated excellence in sharing an incisive knowledge of American history; commitment to their students; fostering a spirit of patriotism and loyal support of our country; relating history to modern life and events; and requiring high academic standards from their students.

Ms. Anderson maintains that in order for students to become successful, contributing citizens of our nation, they must first learn about the past to understand the present and change the future. At the DAR State Conference Awards Dinner, Ms. Anderson said, “I am thrilled with this award, and humbled that I received it for doing what I love best.”

Gila Butte DAR welcomes eligible women who support education and want to preserve American history. For membership information call 602-430-6048 or go to the Gila Butte chapter website gilabutte.arizonadar.org.