In early August, Reed High School Teacher Jessica Eichstedt was named the Gilder Lehrman Nevada Teacher of the Year by the Nevada Department of Education and subsequently became one of the 53 finalists to win a $10,000 award at the national level, to be announced in October.
Eichstedt has been with the Washoe County School District since 2014, working at Dilworth Middle School and has been at Reed High School for the past six years.
“Being a social studies teacher is so much more than remembering dates and facts,” says Eichstedt. “It provides opportunities for students to explore the stories and human experiences that connect us all. Teaching is inspiring our students to be inquisitive, empathetic of other’s experiences and informed individuals of our ever-changing society.”
Eichstedt was nominated for this award by her colleague Sarah Brown. A panel of teachers, scholars, and administrators were impressed by her application, and gave Eichstedt a $1,000 award, a certificate of recognition, and an archive of historical resources that she can use in the classroom.
After Eichstedt was nominated for the award, she and Brown then submitted evidence for further review by the Nevada Department of Education panel.
“It’s exciting. I did the application and wasn’t expecting a whole lot and was surprised to hear back,” Eichstedt says.
Eichstedt was born and raised in Reno, earned a degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and has been with the WCSD teaching at Sparks schools for the past 10 years.
“It is a rigorous process to earn this award, as applicants must prove effective use of documents, artifacts, historic sites, oral histories and other primary sources to engage students in American history,” says Kindra Fox, secondary director of Curriculum & Instruction for WCSD.
“My students are a pivotal part of what I do in the classroom. They’ve shaped my career. I believe my experience with the students and staff has helped me become a better teacher,” Eichstedt says.
“We are proud of Jessica’s outstanding work with our students and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition,” WCSD Superintendent Susan Enfield adds.
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