Congratulations Jeron Velasco. Thanks also to your dedication to the National History Day in Arizona program at Dishchii’bikoh Community School, White Mountain Apache Reservation in Cibecue, AZ. Jeron and his wife, Gene, were among the four teachers and two AHS advisors who accompanied 37 Arizona NHD finalist to Washington D.C. in June. Your students are excelling with your leadership.
Arizona Department of Education's post
To Mr. Jeron Velasco: Arizona History Teacher of the Year
We are proud to announce that Mr. Jeron Velasco has been named the Arizona History Teacher of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in history education. While all nominees this year demonstrated exceptional commitment and talent, the selection committee unanimously chose Mr. Velasco for his outstanding dedication to engaging students and enriching his community through the study of history.
Jeron Velasco is a Filipino Cultural Exchange Teacher, speaker, and educator with over 12 years of experience across high school, college, and graduate levels in both the Philippines and the United States. He currently teaches Social Studies at Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue, Arizona, where he empowers Indigenous students through culturally responsive teaching, historical research, and civic engagement.
Jeron is the founder and adviser of the Dishchii’bikoh History Club, which has produced student-led publications such as Heroes of Cibecue and earned national recognition through programs like National History Day. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Development Studies while continuing to speak and mentor educators internationally.
Not only was Mr. Velasco selected as Arizona History Teacher of the Year, he was chosen as a C-SPAN Teacher Fellow for his work in civic education and historical storytelling. Reflecting on his approach, Jeron shares: “My inspiration comes from my students’ untold stories and the urgent need to make history matter in their lives. I approach history as a living, breathing subject—rooted in identity, justice, and action.”
(Launching the Dishchii’bikoh History Club – For the first time in school history, over 40 students joined the regional contest under History Club and it explored Indigenous topics and local history. This grassroots initiative became a safe space for youth to examine community issues through historical research.)
He believes in empowering students to become historians of their own communities: “Whether through interviewing Apache veterans, researching tribal treaties, or presenting at national competitions, my students do not just learn history—they make it. They see themselves as leaders, scholars, and changemakers.”
(MMIW National Advocacy – Two of my students took their National History Day project on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) to the national stage. Their work earned them interviews and special awards, amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and raising awareness of this critical issue.)
Receiving national recognition, Jeron emphasized the deeper meaning of the honor: “It is a celebration of my students, their ancestors, and the community of Cibecue. It affirms that rural, Indigenous, and marginalized voices deserve to be heard, studied, and honored on national platforms.”
(Heroes of Cibecue Co-Writers – Students became partner-authors for a published book honoring White Mountain Apache veterans like Steven and Ronnie. Their research and interviews formed the basis of a living history project. We are currently working on a second volume to include more stories and tributes from families and community members.)
His passion, leadership, and innovative teaching practices continue to inspire both students and colleagues alike. Mr. Velasco is now a candidate for the National History Teacher of the Year contest where the nominee has a chance to win a $10,000 award and the recognition from history educators across the nation. We celebrate his achievement and thank him for his invaluable contributions to education in Arizona and beyond!
