Irmo Elementary teacher named finalist for 2017 National History Teacher of the Year Award
September 8, 2017
Irmo Elementary School first grade teacher Nicole Bishop has been announced as one of 10 finalists for the 2017 National History Teacher of the Year award. The award is presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education.
In June, Bishop was named the 2017 South Carolina History Teacher of the Year.
“Being a finalist for National History Teacher of the Year is truly humbling and I don’t even know where to begin,” Bishop said. “This nomination is for my students and the historians who have come before us. It is my job to bring their stories to life so that my students can relate to them. It is humbling, inspiring and truly an honor to be recognized in this manner.”
Inaugurated in 2004, the 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 U.S. Territories. This is the first time the committee has selected a group of finalists from the state honorees. The National History Teacher of the Year will be selected from the pool of 10 finalists in October.
“Nicole is a passionate educator and it is always encouraging to see educators recognized for their dedication and commitment,” said Irmo Elementary principal Tina McCaskill. “Nicole’s integration of citizenship, economics and history throughout the instructional day is noted by students, families and colleagues. Irmo has a tradition of excellence and Nicole exemplifies this in every way!”
The winner of the National History Teacher of the Year award receives a $10,000 prize, presented by Pulitzer prize-winning historian Eric Foner at a ceremony in New York City in November.
“Knowledgeable and impassioned teachers bring our country’s history to life for students, allowing them to understand engaging with history is about more than a series of facts,” said James Basker, President of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. “Teachers are the lifeblood of our students’ education, and Mrs. Bishop with these nine other teachers are the best of the best.”
