PIKETON — Andy Klinker, a teacher at Piketon Jr./Sr. High School, has been named the 2024 Ohio History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Established in 2004, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional elementary through high school teachers for their outstanding contributions to American history education.
Presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 American history education, this award honors one K–12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and United States Territories.
“In times like these, history teachers play a critical role in shaping students’ understanding of the past and inspiring hope for the future,” says James G. Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. “Their unwavering dedication to educating our youth is commendable, and we take great pride in honoring the most exceptional educators across the country.”
Klinker, commonly referred to as "Mr. K", teaches eighth Grade American History and the Civil War Era Through Film.
Upon receiving the news of his selection, Klinker said “I felt a little overwhelmed and a lot humbled and honored. I love my job and truly consider myself blessed to teach what I teach, where I teach, and especially who I teach.”
Klinker also stated that even though he has taught for 35 years, he still feels as if he has so much more to learn about American history and how best to teach it.
As for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Klinker said, “I have tremendous respect for the GLI as it provides unparalleled resources and opportunities for teachers of American history – thank you for these and for your charge of promoting the study and love of American history.”
Klinker credited his outstanding social studies teachers while a student at Waverly High School, including Blaine Beekman, Willie Hobbs, and Tom Monroe, for his interest in becoming a teacher and for a lot of who he is as a teacher still today.
Lastly, Klinker stated “It’s a great day to be a Piketon Redstreak – Huzzah!”
Piketon Jr./Sr. High Principal Jeff Reuter shared some additional thoughts about Klinker and what he brings to the classroom.
"Mr. Klinker is and always has been a 'Rock Star at Piketon Jr. / Sr. High School. At no time in my career spanning 30 years have I ever seen as much daily engagement with students as I do in Mr. Klinker’s classroom. It is almost as if he carries around his own personal brand of electricity that affects any and everyone who enters room 200," Reuter said.
"On a personal note, Mr. Klinker taught both of my daughters and gave them once in a lifetime experience on end of the year field trips. He also is able to put a smile on my face every time I do a walkthrough in his classroom. Such connectivity with his students is never taken for granted at Piketon. We are very proud and extremely blessed to have a person of such high character and integrity working with our young people."
For his honor, Klinker will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a core archive of American history books, and educational materials curated by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Additionally, he will be recognized at a local ceremony and join the esteemed group of 53 finalists contending for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award. The national award winner will be announced later this fall, and they will take home a $10,000 grand prize at a special ceremony on Oct. 15, 2024, at the Harvard Club of New York City.
As for how Klinker will spend his $1,000 prize money, he said there are some historic sites still on his bucket list that he’d like to visit and “geek out!”
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