We are proud to share that Shiloh Francis of Hawaiʻi Technology Academy has been named the Gilder Lehrman Institute State History Teacher of the Year Award for 2024. Francis has taught in Hawai‘i public and charter schools in her 19-year career. In 2011, she earned her National Board for Professional Teaching Certificate in Early Adolescence/Social Studies–History.
The GLI History Teacher of the Year award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K–12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and US Territories.
Matt Zitello, Executive Director of Hawaii Technology Academy, shared his support and enthusiasm on Francis’ dedication, “Shiloh’s work is a testament to her dedication to developing a passion for history among her students. Her methods are a beacon of innovative pedagogy in history education, making her a standout candidate for this prestigious award.”
“I am honored to be recognized for this award because it shows that the creative ways I’ve been trying to engage young people to share their voices through equity-focused dialogue and build connections with our local and global community are meaningful to the students and making a difference. I hope my students learn to look at the past with empathy and understanding, see themselves in those stories by exploring multiple perspectives, and feel empowered to reach for a better future,” Francis expressed with gratitude.
Francis will be honored at the Schools of the Future conference in November. For more information, about Schools of the Future, click here.
Nominations for the 2025 History Teacher of the Year Award are now open! Click here to nominate a history teacher who makes a difference in your life.
Congratulations to Francis again on this well-deserved recognition! Mahalo for all you provide to our student community and for your dedication to keeping history alive!
You can read more about Francis in this engaging article by her Academy, here.
Congratulations to Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School teacher Andrea-Bernadette Pratt on receiving the Gilder Lehrman Institute State History Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Pratt will also be entered as a finalist in the national award contest. We love working with Andy as a Hawaiʻi History Day teacher, and are always impressed by the caliber of her work and her passion for history.
The GLI History Teacher of the Year award honors exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K–12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and US Territories.
“Dr. Pratt makes learning American History relevant to our students so that their appreciation deepens and broadens. American History comes alive through Dr. Pratt’s enthusiasm and passion, making learning not only accessible and respectful, but intriguing”, shared Laurie Luczak, Principal of Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School, on her warm commendation of Ms. Pratt.
Ms. Pratt’s reflection on what this well-deserved achievement means to her as an educator and her community provides insight into her dedication and creativity in bringing history, to life.
“History is often misunderstood as a stagnant subject that just recycles catalogs and summaries, but it comes more alive when students realize that the long story you are sharing is tied directly to every single one of them, and that they will soon have the opportunity to participate in our democracy and become stakeholders in their communities.”
Ms. Pratt will be honored at the Schools of the Future Conference next month. For more information about the event, please click here.
Nominations for the 2023 History Teacher of the Year Award are now open! Click here to nominate a history teacher who makes a difference in your life.
Misha Matsumoto Yee, of St. Andrew’s Schools, The Priory, has been named the 2022 National History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Misha teaches middle school and high school U.S. History. Her innovative approach to teaching allows students to take an active role in their education, such as creating a website chronicling the diversity of Asian American experiences and activities that allow students to discover how they would want to teach what they are learning in Misha’s history classes.
Misha Matsumoto Yee’s winning of the award marks the first time a teacher from Hawaiʻi has won the national award.
You can read more about Misha in this great article by John Fea in Current.
Melissa Perkins, a teacher at `Iolani School, is the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History 2021 Hawaii State History Teacher of the Year
Melissa Perkins engages students by tapping into their growing interest in current events, believing that students learn best when they can use the study of history to better understand their world today. She inspires her students to strive for excellence in research, writing, and critical thinking, and she encourages discussion and respectful debate on critical issues in American history—skills that prepare students for both personal success and productive citizenship.
Below you can watch this video introducing Melissa Perkins as the 2021 Hawaiʻi History of the Year. This video was part of the ceremony celebrating Melissa’s achievement at the Schools of the Future Conference in 2021.
Daniel Lewer from Honokaʻa High and Intermediate School is the winner of the 2020 Gilder Lehrman Institute State History Teacher of the Year Award.
Mr. Lewer teaches social studies to 9-12 graders: AP US History, US History, World History, Participation in Democracy, and Modern History of Hawai’i. He believes in creating a true sense of wonder in the classroom, and loves to make his students “struggle” in ways that encourage them to think more fully about complex historical issues that have left indelible tangible marks on the ways we understand the present.
Mr. Lewer’s belief in providing rich accessible content to students, entwined with his commitment to teaching excellence, prompted him to create History for Humans, which “is devoted to empowering teachers with dynamic and relevant history lessons for students so they are challenged, supported, and engaged in history that matters.”
Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities is the proud administrator of the annual Gilder Lehrman Institute Teacher of the Year award, that recognizes exceptional K–12 American history teachers across the country. The State winner receives a $1,000 cash prize, an archive of books and historical resources, and an invitation to attend a 2021 Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminar.
The mission of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources. It houses a tremendous archive of over 70,000 documents, and administers a network of eminent historians, and is dedicated to providing teachers, students, and the general public with direct access to unique primary source materials.
Nominations for the 2021 History Teacher of the Year Award are now open! Click here to nominate a history teacher who makes a difference in your life.