History Teacher of the Year

The Iowa Department of Education co-sponsors the “History Teacher of the Year” award for K-12 teachers who have at least three years of classroom teaching experience and can demonstrate a commitment to the teaching of American history in creative ways.

Who Can Nominate?

Candidates may be nominated by friends, family, students, or colleagues. The winner of the state award receives a prize package including a certificate of recognition, a $1,000 award, a collection of classroom resources to be presented in their name to the school library, and an invitation to participate in a Gilder Lehrman Institute summer seminar. From the state winners, one is recognized as the National History Teacher of the Year.

Award Process

The Iowa winner is honored at the Iowa Teacher of the Year Recognition Event.

The National History Teacher of the Year is honored at an awards ceremony in New York City, NY, and awarded a $10,000 prize.

The award is co-sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and Preserve America.

Nomination Information

National History Teacher of the Year Nomination Form - Submission deadline for the 2022 award is April 30, 2022.

Visit the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History website to learn more.

Past Honorees