Kimberly Gilman, a history and social studies teacher at Hocker Grove Middle School in Shawnee Mission Unified School District 512, has been named the 2024 Kansas History Teacher of the Year. This prestigious award, given by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, recognizes extraordinary elementary and secondary educators for their contributions to the teaching of American history.

Gilman will receive a $1,000 prize, American history books and other educational materials. Additionally, she will be eligible to be selected as the National History Teacher of the Year in October. She recently answered the following questions about this impressive award:

What was your first reaction when you heard you were selected as the 2024 Kansas History Teacher of the Year?

I was thrilled and also humbled because I know how many amazing educators we have in Kansas. I have met and worked with so many of them through being a KSDE Teacher Leader Consultant and attending state social studies conferences and institutes. I also know how competitive the History Teacher of the Year award from Gilder Lehrman is and I so admire the teachers who have been named before me.

What is the best part of teaching history at the middle school level?

Teaching history brings me so much joy when I see students make meaningful connections between themselves and the past, present and future. I love elevating voices and expanding the narrative to help students see themselves. I love getting hands-on with history and seeing students and history both come to life through examining artifacts, creating history STEM builds, exploring primary sources from ordinary people, and realizing that their own story is part of history.

As for middle schoolers, don’t underestimate these awesome teens! They are really thinking about the world around them and analyzing how they want to interact with it intentionally. They are curious, creative, and collaborative and already creating a bright future. They give me great hope!

What’s it like to have this honor, especially since you’re representing all history and social studies teachers in Kansas this year?

Gilder Lehrman has been a huge support to my teaching through incredible summer seminars at Columbia University and the University of Texas, monthly free resources to use with students, and weekly free online learning events with authors and historians. To be able to represent Kansas and be selected by such a prestigious, impactful, and supportive organization is such an honor!

Anything else about this award you’d like to add?

I would urge social studies teachers across the state to sign up to be a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School and get all these free resources and to look for other opportunities to keep learning. There are so many out there for teachers! I would also encourage educators to invite student voice and choice and listen to students to create experiences that make social studies more meaningful.

I am so proud to bring attention to all the amazing teaching and learning happening in social studies classrooms in Kansas. I share this award with all of you! I look forward to connecting and collaborating with Kansas teachers and with teachers from across the nation this year. I hope to see you all at the Kansas Social Studies Conference at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, February 1!