The Gilder Lehrman Institute Announces State History Teachers of the Year
Media Contact:
Nicole Blake-Baxter
nicole@blakepragency.com
718-216-1330
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Gilder Lehrman Institute Announces State History Teachers of the Year
Award-winning educators from across the country receive $1,000 prizes, curated classroom resources, and a chance at the national title
NEW YORK – August 1, 2025 – The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is proud to announce the 2025 State History Teachers of the Year. Fifty-three exceptional K–12 educators—representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories—have been selected for their outstanding commitment to American history education.
Since 2004, this distinguished award has honored educators who demonstrate passion, creativity, and excellence in teaching American history across elementary, middle, and high school classrooms.
“History teachers play an essential role in helping students understand the past, build critical thinking skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the people and events that shaped our nation,” says James G. Basker, president and CEO of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. “We are proud to recognize educators who go above and beyond to make history engaging, meaningful, and relevant in their classrooms.”
Presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute—the nation’s leading nonprofit for K–12 American history education—the award honors teachers who demonstrate a deep commitment to the subject, creativity in the classroom, and effective use of primary sources to engage students. Teachers are nominated by students, parents, colleagues, or administrators through the Institute’s website, and state winners are selected by committees composed of educators, historians, and past honorees.
Each State History Teacher of the Year receives a $1,000 prize, a curated collection of American history books and classroom resources, and recognition at a local ceremony. All honorees are also finalists for the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year Award. The winner will be recognized this fall at a special ceremony at the Harvard Club of New York City and will receive a $10,000 grand prize.
To view the full list of 2025 state honorees, visit https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-teacher-year
About The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. The Institute’s mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.
At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. Drawing on the 87,000 documents in the Gilder Lehrman Collection and an extensive network of eminent historians, the Institute provides teachers, students, and the general public with access to unique primary source materials.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, the Council of Independent Colleges, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Learn more at gilderlehrman.org.
###