National History Day has announced the 36 teachers selected as Behring Teacher Ambassadors. Kirkland teacher Mark Bach from the International Community School is one of two teachers selected to represent Washington.

“Being named a Behring Teacher of the Year was a kind of capstone to my NHD career. It occurred simultaneously with winning the State trophy in the Senior division so it was a banner year,” Bach said. “Now the opportunity to be a Behring Ambassador feels like a logical continuation in that all the experience I have gained in this extraordinary program can now be shared with others. Teachers are said to be one of the most isolated professions in our country and I look forward to being a Behring Ambassador so I can further connect with the NHD teaching community.”

The teachers selected have shown outstanding creativity, commitment and inspiration in developing students’ interest in history. Each regional winner will be awarded a $1,000 stipend for their participation and service as an ambassador. Middle and high school teachers are nominated by their administrators, peers, or self for the award. Candidates must be classroom teachers interested in NHD programs, who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, or be past Behring Teacher award winners.

Next year, the organization theme is Leadership and Legacy in History. Behring Teacher Ambassadors will work with students and teachers to help them better understand this theme and to expand the organization’s programs in their region. Participating teachers will attend a training workshop in August, collaborate with their program’s affiliates coordinator to develop a working plan, and implement an action plan to support and expand the organization’s activities.