Online MSc in History student nominated for national award
The School was delighted to hear that Bill Smith, a graduate of the Online MSc History course, has been recognised for his work away from his studies.
Like many Online MSc History students Bill Smith combines working with studying, in his case teaching Social Sciences at Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin, New Jersey. Despite only being at the school for five years Bill was voted Teacher of the Year before being named Teacher of the Year for Ocean County schools, 2018-2019. This makes him one of six finalists out of over 116,000 classroom teachers in New Jersey for State Teacher of the Year.
‘I credit much of my success in the classroom to the education that I am receiving at the University of Edinburgh and the close relationships that I have formed with professors such as David Silkenat,’ said Bill. ‘Professor Silkenat was a high school history teacher before entering academia, so his expertise and experience have made me not only a better historian but also a better teacher. I am extremely grateful to be pursuing my graduate degree at one of the best universities in the world.’
Bill found out he was named Ocean County Teacher of the Year when his superintendent, principal, supervisor and two members of the Ocean County Board of Education surprised him in the middle of his class.
“To share that moment with my students, who were posting it all over social media, and to see how proud they were, it was just really, really cool,” he said.
The School of History, Classics and Archaeology sends its warmest congratulations to Bill!