HTANSW established the Renée Erdos Award in 2009 to acknowledge achievement in or contribution to school-based History. This year at the HTAA National Conference and HTANSW's 70th Anniversary dinner we proudly recognised Dr Denis Mootz.

 

His work has substantially enhanced our comprehension of key concepts of history education and markedly influenced pedagogical approaches throughout Australia. Since joining HTANSW in 1993, Dr Mootz has served in various capacities including Board Member, Assistant Treasurer, Journal Editor, President and current HTANSW Treasurer.

 

 

His accolades include the following distinguished awards:

· 2003: NSW Premier’s History Scholar

· 2008: PTCNSW Outstanding Professional Service Award

· 2019: PTCNSW Dame Marie Bashir Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education

 

During his tenure as President and Chair of the History Board Curriculum Committee, Dr Mootz was instrumental in making History and Geography compulsory subjects in Stages 4 and 5, leading to their inclusion in the School Certificate examinations. This initiative also integrated Civics and Citizenship into the History syllabus. Additionally, his long-standing role as editor of Teaching History, spanning 25 years, along with his scholarly articles and innovative teaching ideas, have continually enriched professional practices. Dr Mootz has also dedicated considerable effort to providing professional learning opportunities to History teachers in rural and regional NSW and to delivering lectures to students in both metropolitan and regional areas.