History Teacher of the Year

Award Criteria

• Must teach in Washington, D.C, or the following counties or cities in Virginia and Maryland: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore County, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's.
• Full-time teachers, with at least two years of experience, who teach American history at the elementary, middle, or high school level
• Educators teaching in a formal classroom setting who expect to teach the following school year. 
• Creativity and accuracy in lesson development and classroom teaching
• Ability to integrate primary sources such as documents and material culture into the study of history
• Dedication to improving their students' understanding of historical content as well as fostering their knowledge of the importance of the study of history
• Ability to cultivate in their students an abiding interest in and passion for the study of history

Nomination Process

Teachers may submit a self-nomination or be nominated by a colleague. 

Online Nomination: Nominations must be submitted using our online nomination form. A resume, essay, letters of support, and educational materials must be uploaded via the online system. Nominations do not have to be completed in one sitting.

• Resume A two page (maximum) resume that includes teaching grants or honors, curriculum materials created, and educational initiatives or programs with which the teacher has been involved.
• Essay 
• For self-nominations, please provide a two-page (maximum) essay describing how you address the award criteria in your classroom, as well as your teaching philosophy and goals. 
• For nominations made by a colleague, please provide a two-page (maximum) essay describing how the nominated teacher addresses the award criteria in his or her classroom and why you believe he or she is deserving of this honor. 
• Letters of Support A letter of support from the teacher’s school principal or county superintendent attesting to the nominee's skill as a history teacher, as well as a letter of support from a colleague or department chair are required.
• Educational Materials Sample educational materials used in the classroom that highlight the use of primary sources such as documents and/or material culture.