In her colonial American history class, Dr. Bratyanski introduced cotton bolls with burs and seeds, along with long-leaf Virginia tobacco, allowing students to engage their senses and create “memory anchors” tied to historical context.

“This experiential learning approach fosters a deeper understanding of the past,” she said. “By engaging with these ‘cash crops,’ I hope that students develop empathy for the farmers and enslaved individuals whose lives were intertwined with their cultivation, enriching their appreciation of history’s complexities.”

Junior Maya Kodali praised Dr. Bratyanski’s dynamic teaching. “She puts so much enthusiasm and effort into class,” Kodali said. “She makes learning about seemingly mundane topics interactive and fun, like when we posed as framers of the Constitution in a mock convention. Some of us even wore wigs, which made it a surprisingly enjoyable experience.”

Dr. Bratyanski, a veteran educator who has taught at Providence Day since 2013, embraces creativity, explores innovative approaches in the classroom, and commits herself to community service.

She’s now earned the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award for the North Carolina State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She will compete at the national level and be recognized at a state conference education luncheon in May in Durham.

“To be recognized by such a prestigious organization is humbling, especially one that values civic education, historic preservation, and community service as its foundational pillars," Dr. Bratyanski says.

A Focus on Civic Engagement

In her Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics class, Dr. Bratyanski integrates civic engagement into the curriculum. Students must attend city council, county commission, and school board meetings, fostering ongoing discussions about local issues.

Her students also lead voter registration drives through the NC GO VOTE initiative, setting up at dog parks, concerts, art festivals, libraries, and sporting events. Recently, Dr. Bratyanski collaborated with The Charlotte Ledger to design an internship that allows students to research candidates for its Election Hub.

“These hands-on experiences enrich students’ understanding of civic engagement and the democratic process,” she said. “This real-world application bridges the gap between theory and practice.”

A Nontraditional Path to the Classroom

Dr. Bratyanski’s route to teaching was far from traditional. Financial challenges delayed her education for nearly a decade after high school. She eventually graduated from Queens University of Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in American Studies at age 31, balancing full-time work with classes.

She went on to earn a master’s degree in American Studies from the University of Alabama and a doctorate in History from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, focusing on civil rights history.

Dr. Bratyanski began her teaching career at the university level, where she supported veterans transitioning to civilian life. “Their experiences deeply shaped my understanding of the challenges they faced, particularly the mental health struggles associated with leaving comrades behind,” she said.

Since joining Providence Day, she has championed creative teaching approaches, including visits to the Catawba Cultural Center to explore tribal issues and service trips to South Africa and Thailand.

Inspiring Lifelong Learning

Dr. Bratyanski encourages her students to find personal connections to history. Her U.S. History students maintain exploration journals, chronicling and analyzing primary sources from their daily lives. They explore topics such as family dynamics, social media’s impact, and mental health challenges.

“I strive to foster a deeper understanding of history and its relevance to my students’ lives,” she said. “This collaborative learning environment inspires me to seek innovative ways to engage students continuously.”

Kodali summed up the educator’s impact: “In a nutshell, she makes the idea of learning something to get excited about. I always look forward to going to Government every day.”