A Bigfork Middle School teacher is up for a national award for her hands-on teaching methods in history.

Cynthia Wilondek is nominated to receive the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award.

Wilondek is one of two teachers from the state of Montana who received the state level version of the award, and is now nominated for the national award. The award is through the National History Day program, which Bigfork Middle School competed in for the first time this year.

Wilondek is taking three Bigfork eighth graders, who placed first and second at the state competition, to Washington, D.C,. in June to compete in the National competition.

Teachers are nominated by their peers, administrators or themselves for the award. Wilondek said she was quite surprised by receiving the state recognition, and being nominated for the national award.

“As a first-year teacher, I wasn’t expecting that at all,” she said.

The award honors teachers who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom. Award-winning teachers also demonstrate a commitment to helping students develop their interest in history and recognize their achievements.

The National winners of the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award will be announced on June 18, and will receive $10,000 in recognition of their outstanding efforts.