Vancouver iTech Preparatory Principal Darby Meade, left, with teacher John Zingale
John Zingale, a social studies teacher at Vancouver iTech Preparatory, is the 2017 winner of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching History. The award, given by the Washington State Historical Society Awards selection committee, includes a $750 prize and Gold Star of Recognition. The award will be formally presented on Sept. 23 at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
Under Zingale’s tutelage, students have explored innovative intersections between history and technology. They created a virtual reality tour of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in 2016 that now is available to visitors from all over the world.
Zingale also has led trips to Washington, D.C.; developed curriculum that motivates students to study activism; and facilitated cross-disciplinary learning. According to parents and colleagues, his enthusiasm for history and education are seemingly boundless.
“Mr. Zingale possesses a set of skills matched with the dedication to each of his students that makes him a special educator. The experience he gives his students breeds curiosity and love of learning history that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” said Principal Darby Meade.
