Reservoir High School teacher Matthew Gresick was recently named the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History 2020 History Teacher of the Year for the State of Maryland. Gresick is the first HCPSS teacher to win this award.

Gresick said he is “honored and humbled to earn this award as I know I am one of numerous dedicated social studies teachers in Howard County and Maryland. Numerous teachers, mentors, colleagues, supervisors and students share in this success.”

Gresick has taught U.S. History, American Government, World History, AP Human Geography, Ancient History, Sociology, Leadership and World Religions at Reservoir High School. He is particularly proud of his work at Reservoir, including the World Religions field trip he organized to various local worship centers. Previously, in Wicomico County, he taught 6th grade Ancient History and American Government at the high school level. While in Salisbury, Gresick received the mentor teacher of the year award from Salisbury University.

Full-time K–12 educators who teach American history as either an individual subject or as part of other subjects, such as social studies, reading or language arts, are eligible for the Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year award. Criteria includes: a demonstrated commitment to teaching American history; evidence of creativity and imagination in the classroom; and effective use of primary sources to engage students with American history.

Gresick is now eligible for the national award competition. The national winner will be decided in the fall.