The Constantia Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has announced its nomination for the society’s Outstanding Teacher of American History Contest.

Christina M. Klein of John Yeates Middle School is the chapter’s nominee.

“Her dedication to her student’s individual achievement, her enthusiasm for her subject and her desire to develop, in her students, a lifetime learner has not waned during her 28 years of teaching,” the chapter wrote in its nomination. “When we visited her classroom, we found students working in groups with planned activities that implemented all modalities, to assure that all students could have input into the assigned projects. Her classroom walls were covered with relevant materials and emphasized patriotism.”

John Yeates Principal Daniel O’Leary Jr., Suffolk Public Schools Chief of Operations Douglas Dohey and Supervisor of History/Social Sciences Katrina Cary wrote letters of recommendation on Klein’s behalf.

Klein’s statement focused on how her grandparents and parents cultivated her love of history, which combined with her love of talking to bring her to teaching. She has been teaching in Suffolk since 1988.

“For me, it has always been about the kids,” Klein said. “I absolutely love, love, love working with them and having a positive influence on their lives. I do my absolute best to teach them that they matter and have a voice.”

Klein said she does her best not to teach to the test but rather to teach students to understand and relate to the information.

“Students no longer have to memorize random facts; they now understand,” Klein wrote.