Jhone M. Ebert Superintendent of Public Instruction | Nevada Department of Education Website
Mitchell Kalin, a retired history teacher from Leavitt Middle School in Las Vegas, has been named Nevada’s 2025 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year. The recognition was announced by the Nevada Department of Education and awarded during a ceremony at Leavitt Middle School on October 15.
Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction, praised Kalin's approach to teaching: “Mr. Kalin’s teaching went beyond dates and events by challenging students to ask why history happened and why it matters today,” Wakefield said. “Through his innovative approach to teaching the Holocaust, he brought history to life by incorporating survivor testimonies and encouraging students to connect lessons from the past to their world today.”
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is a nonprofit organization based in New York that honors K-12 educators who show commitment to teaching American history and motivating students through inquiry and storytelling.
Kalin was nominated for the state-level award last school year and served as Nevada’s representative in the national program.
Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of the Clark County School District, stated: “Mr. Kalin had a unique and creative way of engaging students while discussing history. Through his dedication, Mr. Kalin helped students connect with our nation’s past in ways that are impactful beyond the classroom. CCSD is proud to have such a valuable educator recognized for his accomplishments.”
Lana Roper, Principal at Leavitt Middle School, added: “Mr. Kalin’s classroom was a place where students not only learned history — they experienced it.”
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