On Tuesday, May 19, Woodlands Middle School social studies teacher Kasie Peralta was recognized as an Outstanding Middle School Social Studies Teacher by the Westchester Lower Hudson Council for the Social Studies, an organization that supports social studies educators throughout the region.
Ms. Peralta said she was surprised to learn she had been nominated for the award by WMS Assistant Principal Ms. Henriquez, with additional letters of support submitted by colleagues Ms. Blenk and Ms. Vasta.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting it,” Peralta said. “I know they offer these awards, but I was very surprised and honored.”
The organization presents several awards each year recognizing excellence in social studies education, including honors for novice teachers, middle and high school educators, department chairs, and career achievement.
For Peralta, the recognition was especially meaningful because it shines a light on the work teachers do every day in their classrooms.
“I think the work that teachers do on a day-to-day basis sometimes goes under the radar,” she said. “We do it not for the accolades. I teach because it’s my passion, and I do it for the students, who are the reason we are here every day.”
Peralta said social studies holds a unique role in education because it helps students become thoughtful and informed citizens while also reinforcing skills learned in other subjects.
“When you talk about being a citizen in this country, social studies is what guides you to being a person who can make decisions,” she said. “You’re developing critical thinking skills, the ability to analyze things, evaluate information, and formulate your own opinions. That’s the power of social studies.”
She also emphasized the importance of helping students understand differing perspectives and learning from history to shape a better future.
“I tell my students, you need to know where we’ve come from,” Peralta said. “You need to know the past so that you can do better for the future.”