Amata Congratulates Teachers for National History Day Teacher of the Year Nominations 

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is congratulating two dedicated teachers in American Samoa upon their nominations for the National History Day Patricia Behring History Teacher of the Year.

Nominees are:

• Mrs. Cathlyn Elaine Custodio Su´a, Pavaiai Elementary School.

• Mr. Konelio Alofaituli, Manu’a High School. 

“Congratulations to these excellent teachers upon this recognition of their commitment to our students, and their dedication every day,” Congresswoman Amata said. “Thank you to all our teachers as you make a difference in the lives of our young people. Thank you to NHD, and I wanted to highlight their announcement and add my congratulations to these outstanding teachers. Thank you to American Samoa Department of Education and Acting Director for Department of Education Dr. Teresa Le’iato Atuatasi for your role in preparing our Territory’s students for their lives and careers.”

Each National History Day affiliate may nominate one high school and one middle school teacher for this award. Every nominee for the $10,000 award is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through the innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest.

“This award recognizes the very best educators from across the nation and beyond,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “These educators are leaders and innovators in the teaching of history. They engage their students with hands-on, inquiry-based learning with primary sources. I congratulate them on their well-deserved nominations.” 

The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians, and announced on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony in College Park, Maryland. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past.

The nationwide announcement from NHD is available here.