Alumna wins national history educator award

Wed, September 14, 2005 |

A Valparaiso University alumna who co-founded an elementary/junior high school has won the 2005 Outstanding History Educator Award, sponsored by The History Channel and National History Day.
Honored was 1973 VU graduate Helene Debelak, co-founder of the Birchwood School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1984 with her husband Charles, a 1972 Valpo graduate. The school, which serves 110 students in first through eighth grade, is known for its challenging academic curriculum and high scholastic standards.
The History Channel cited Debelak’s work in Cleveland and California to inspire teachers and students to use National History Day to help develop character and set goals while learning to love history. The History Channel will award Debelak a monetary prize of $5,000 as well as supply the Birchwood School with an extensive video library.
“Helene Debelak is one of the most outstanding educators I have had the privilege to work with in my 23 years with National History Day,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, executive director of National History Day. “She is not only a mentor to thousands of students that have participated in the National History Day program, but is a mentor to many educators across America.”
Debelak is a teacher and director of curriculum at Birchwood School, which was built on the ideals of providing challenging academics, building strong work habits and creating a caring environment to foster social responsibility.
Previously, she was a curriculum consultant to the Acaciawood School in Anaheim, Calif. She provided professional development in best practices in historical research and instruction and guided teachers and students through the process of research and presentation.
Debelak said specific plans for the use of her prize money haven’t been developed, but she will use it for “a history related trip.”