Outstanding Teacher of North Carolina History Award

The Historical Society of North Carolina recognizes outstanding teaching of North Carolina state history with an annual award. Each recipient will be awarded $150 and a plaque and will be recognized at the fall meeting of the society.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the award, a teacher must make a practice of integrating the teaching of North Carolina’s history into his or her curriculum. Teachers of all grade levels from any public, charter or private school in the state are eligible.

Development and use of creative teaching methods that interest students in North Carolina’s history and help them understand the state’s role in national and world history. Examples could include:

  • Innovative use of primary sources that include North Carolina sources;
  • Integrated communication technology in history research and classroom learning directing students to North Carolina sources;
  • Teaching methods which link history to students’ broader interests (e.g., using interdisciplinary approaches to historical topics or by developing projects which link history to current events, debates, and issues within the state);
  • The use of teaching methods which build a range of skills in students as they study history; or
  • Use of role-playing or oral debates incorporating a North Carolina perspective.

Exemplary commitment to helping students develop their interest in history and recognize their achievements.  Examples could include:

  • Assistance in helping students showcase their history projects within the community and/or publish their material;
  • Overall commitment to the intellectual development of individual students; or
  • Encouragement of students to use their understanding of history to become engaged, informed citizens in their community and beyond.

Nomination Procedures

1. Teachers may self-nominate for the award or may be nominated by other teachers, administrators, or a member of the society. However, all nominations will require a written testimony from the nominee.

2.  Nominations and all supporting materials should be submitted electronically via the form linked below.

3. A complete nomination packet should include:

  • The completed form with contact information
  • A current resume of the nominee
  • A testimonial submitted by the nominee describing the impact of the teaching of state history on a class or an individual student. This testimonial should address aspects such as the teacher’s role and the immediate and long term impact on the student(s)’ understanding or appreciation of the state’s history.
  • A minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation in support of the nomination.  The letters should address the criteria provided above and be written by those who know the nominee well and can give specific examples of excellence in history teaching.

A committee from the Historical Society of North Carolina as appointed by the president will decide the recipient. After the first year the recipient will serve as an ex-officio member of the committee.

Nominations are due by August 20th each year.   Click here to submit a nomination.

Award Recipients

YearRecipientSchool
2015Amanda Hilliard Smith Beaufort County Early College High School
2016Anne BoyetteHendersonville Middle School
2017Quan StewartNorth Brunswick High School
2018Renny TaylorNash Central High School, Rocky Mount, NC