Allderdice High School history teacher recognized as Yale Educator of the Year
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A history teacher from Pittsburgh Allderdice High School was honored as a Yale Educator of the Year.
Erin Provance, who lives in Greensburg, was nominated for the award by Daniela Naumov, a former student who is a freshman at Yale University.
The Yale Educator Recognition Program “recognizes outstanding educators from around the world who have supported and inspired their students to achieve at high levels.” Matriculating students are invited to nominate a high school educator. Yale admissions officers review the nominations and select the winners. This year, there were 317 nominees, representing 41 states and 19 countries. Yale recognized 57 teachers and 24 counselors as this year’s winners.
Provance was one of four Pennsylvania educators to be recognized.
Provance said she has a passion for education and she strives to build meaningful relationships with her students.
“A good teacher can make a big difference,” Provance said. “I just want the kiddos to know that I’m more than just their teacher and I will always be there.”
Naumov can vouch for that. She said she still cherishes her relationship with Provance, whom she considers a teacher, mentor and friend.
“I revert back to her words and the way that she taught me to appreciate life, to appreciate the people around me, and to do things with genuine passion and genuine enjoyment, rather than just looking to the test,” Naumov said.
Naumov, who took civics and AP World History with Provance, applauded her willingness to engage with all students, creating a family atmosphere in a large and diverse school. She called Provance’s classroom a “dynamic oasis” and credited Provance for giving her the confidence to apply to Yale.
“Due to her innovative pedagogy, we became critical thinkers and strong writers, and were inculcated with a deep love of our shared humanity,” Naumov wrote in her nomination statement.
Provance said it’s important that her history classes go beyond simply memorizing historical timelines and test scores.
“This is not about regurgitating historical facts,” she said. “It’s about understanding patterns and trends and having empathy. That’s what I ultimately hope they get out of the course.”
Naumov also recognized Provance’s unique style in the classroom.
“She sang about the Chinese dynasties on tabletops to help us compartmentalize historical developments, prepared gallery walks for immersive learning, and even built a stage for her classroom,” Naumov said.
Provance holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington & Jefferson College and a certification in education from Seton Hill. She’s working towards a master’s degree in military history from Southern New Hampshire University.
“I have no plans to leave the classroom anytime soon,” she said, adding that her master’s degree may pave the way to eventually teach at a collegiate level or write a book.
While her career is “all about the kids,” Provance said she also benefits from the relationships she builds with students.
“As my career’s evolved, I’ve been humbled by how much the kids have changed me,” she said. “It isn’t just about being a rock for them — they do the same for you as well.”
Though the covid-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to her classroom, Provance is embracing the difficult circumstances as a learning opportunity.
“What I keep telling the kids is they’re part of living history. What they’re doing right now, it’s so profound and they should be proud. Their story is woven into this history. I hope to instill that in my new kids this year,” she said.
Provance, who has been teaching in Pittsburgh Public Schools since 2009, said she’s grateful for this recognition.
“This year has been hard,” she said. “This is a shining light.”