Barrington's Roberts is American History Teacher of the Year

Mary Roberts, a Barrington middle school teacher, knows a thing or two about American history. 

She also knows that to get children to learn about the past, they have to do more than just read about it.

It takes writing, simulating historical acts, reenactments, debates, or what some call "muscular history." It's a way of reinforcing what children learn in real, physical and lively ways to put things in context and perspective. 

That's part of the reason Roberts was recently named American History Teacher of the Year.

The Bristol Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution announced that Roberts has won the 2014 Rhode island DAR Outstanding Teacher of American History Award.

According to a release, "one of the objectives of the DAR is to recognize notable teachers of American History and related fields, such as social studies, government and citizenship in grades 5 through 12."

Candidates must not just have an "incisive" knowledge of American history. They must also "foster a spirit of patriotism and loyal support for our country and Constitutional government."

Each year, DAR chapters around the state sponsor nominees and Roberts was nominated by Dr. Helen Barboza, Bristol Chapter Historian.

Roberts was lauded for her creative ways to engage students in the classroom, "bringing energy to her classroom while enthusiastically sharing her love of history."

Her use of "muscular history," using plays, reenactments and debates "gets students involved in their learning."

Roberts noted that without the help of her teaching team of Mr. McFarland and Mrs. Andreozzi and Mrs. Williams, along with the support of parents, "the vast majority of her history units requiring flexibility and teamwork would not be possible."

Do you know of other local people who have good news worth sharing with the community? Contact editor Mark Schieldrop at mark.schieldrop@patch.com.