Myla Liljemark was awarded Alaska’s history teacher of the year award for 2021, according to a news release from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

Liljemark, who will embark on year 17 as an educator with the district this year, is a history teacher at Seward Middle School.

Parents, students, teachers and administrators across the country nominated over 8,000 teachers for the 2021 History Teacher of the Year award and Liljemark rose to the top in Alaska, according to the release.

Liljemark said in the release her standard teaching advice is to connect students with history firsthand.

“Always find ways for students to relate to and connect with the content on a personal level,” she said in the release. “Create opportunities for students to bridge the gap between history and the present day.”

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.