Outstanding Teacher Educator Award

Tony Havens

Havens, a history teacher at Sacajawea Middle School, was honored during an award ceremony Friday, May 8, at the Lewiston school. The award was presented by LC State associate professor April Niemela.

A 1995 LC State grad, Havens has been teaching at Sacajawea Middle School for 28 years. Colleagues recognize him as a strong communicator and team leader with a knack for helping students find joy in the classroom.

A parent expressed that Havens “makes history fun and alive. Not just something you read out of a book,” a sentiment echoed by students, coworkers, and mentees.

“What makes Tony truly special is his ability to connect,” wrote Amy Quarry, who was mentored by Havens before working as his teaching partner. “He's a natural storyteller, the kind every great history teacher needs to be. … And in the classroom, he mastered the perfect balance: firm enough to earn respect and funny enough to keep students engaged.”

Havens famously integrates games and activities into his curriculum. One of his most well-known teaching activities is a simulation of the Oregon Trail, where students are placed in family units and must work together as they make their way toward Oregon.

“Students not only learn about the history of the Oregon Trail, they also learn how to work together as a team,” LC State history professor Amanda Van Lanen said of the simulation. “This is history instruction at its very best.”

Havens’ teaching is not limited to the middle school classroom – he also acts as a mentor to aspiring educators in partnership with LC State.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an outstanding mentor,” wrote Chloe Troxel, who graduates this week with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social sciences-history with an emphasis in secondary education. “Tony's passion for history shines through in his teaching and I enjoyed being a part of the fun and hands-on learning experiences he created for his students.”

Colleagues expressed appreciation for learning from Havens how to strengthen their relationships with students.

“Any student teacher who had the privilege of working with Tony couldn't have asked for a better mentor as they enter this world of education,” wrote Christopher Johnson, a former colleague of Havens.

Above all else, Havens puts the wellbeing of his students first.

“He is the teacher that will stay late after school helping decorate hallways during Spirit Week,” wrote co-worker Kelli Smith, “and the next day stay late again making sure that a kid who is behind on his academics completes the assignment or project that is due the next day.”