Lewiston High School teacher Dr. Dennis Ohrtman (Lewiston) and Eagle High School teacher Gail Chumbley (Eagle) received IHC’s biennal awards for “Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities” in February and March 2009 respectively. The teachers will be recognized because of their passion for the humanities, their ability to inspire students through their love of their subject, their innovative teaching methods, and their contributions to the profession. The teachers received $1,000 personally and $1,000 for their schools to devote to improving the teaching of the humanities.

Ohrtman has taught English, Spanish and yearbook at Lewiston High School for 28 years. He’s involved in the Idaho Association of Teachers of Languages and Cultures, Professional Standards Commission, and serves as the Humanities Standards Achievement Chair for the State Department of Education. He is a former Associate Professor of Spanish and English at Lewis-Clark State College and a current member of the Lewiston City Council. Ohrtman was nominated for the award by Peggy Wenner, Arts and Humanities Coordinator for Idaho’s State Department of Education.

IHC board member Bill Johnson presented Ohrtman with the award on February 9 during a reception with family, colleagues and friends in the Lewiston High School library.

Chumbley has taught for 29 years including 13 years teaching history and Advanced Placement history at Eagle High School. Chumbley is known as a dedicated, innovative, and hardworking teacher who also is well-respected statewide. Her students undertake annual research projects that have included conducting oral histories with WWII veterans and raising thousands of dollars to support the creation of the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. Chumbley guides Eagle High History Club students to support historic community programs in the valley. In 2004, she was the recipient of the national Preserve America History Teacher of the Year, presented at the White House.

IHC Chairman Ron Pisaneschi presented Chumbley with her award on March 19 in her classroom at Eagle High School among her History Club students.

IHC’s awards for “Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities” are presented to two teacher bienallly. Teachers may be nominated for the award by fellow teachers, administrators, parents or students. The next call for nominations will be in the fall of 2010.