DoWEA educators named 2026 History Teachers of the Year

Department of War Education Activity educators earned two spots on the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History's 2026 History Teacher of the Year roster, highlighting excellence in American history instruction.

Joshua Simmons, a social studies and English teacher at Yokota High School in Japan, was named the 2026 Department of War Education Activity History Teacher of the Year, while Dr. Shania Wilson, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Fort Campbell Middle School in Kentucky, was named the 2026 Kentucky History Teacher of the Year. Gilder Lehrman recognized Wilson through the state of Kentucky rather than under the DoWEA category.

The annual award honors outstanding kindergarten through 12th-grade educators for excellence in teaching American history. Presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to K-12 American history education, the program recognizes one educator from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of War schools and U.S. territories.

"History teachers play an essential role in helping students understand the past, build critical thinking skills and develop a deeper appreciation for the people and events that shaped our nation," said James G. Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. "We are proud to recognize educators who go above and beyond to make history engaging, meaningful and relevant in their classrooms."

At Yokota High School, Simmons teaches U.S. History, Advanced Placement U.S. History, AP Psychology and AP Seminar. He is known for using simulations, primary source documents and experiential learning activities that encourage students to engage directly with historical events and perspectives.

"History is not meant to be memorized. It is meant to be experienced," Simmons said. "When students step into the decisions, debates and challenges of the past through simulations and hands-on learning, history comes alive."

Beyond the classroom, Simmons serves as adviser to the National Honor Society and introduced Mock Trial competition to Yokota High School, providing students with opportunities to strengthen leadership, civic engagement and critical-thinking skills through authentic learning experiences.

At Fort Campbell Middle School, Dr. Wilson is recognized for helping students connect deeply with historical content through engaging instruction and leadership across the school community.

Fort Campbell Middle School Principal Dr. Alissa Richards said Dr. Wilson brings history to life for students and serves as a leader beyond her classroom. Dr. Wilson chairs the Continuous School Improvement (CSI) team and is known among colleagues for building strong, compassionate relationships with students.

"Dr. Wilson has incredible passion and creativity in social studies, truly helping the content come alive for the students," Richards said. "She integrates rich literature and primary sources as she helps students to become critical thinkers about our past. She is such a deserving recipient."

Recipients of the History Teacher of the Year Award are nominated by students, colleagues and school leaders and selected through a competitive process involving committees of historians and educators.

As the 2026 DoWEA History Teacher of the Year, Simmons will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and classroom materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition at a local ceremony. Wilson receives the same state-level prize package as Kentucky's honoree.

Both educators now advance as finalists for the 2026 National History Teacher of the Year Award alongside the other state and jurisdictional winners. The national winner will be announced this fall and will receive a $10,000 grand prize during a ceremony at the Harvard Club of New York City.

Founded in 1994, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History promotes the study and understanding of American history through educational programs, resources and access to primary source materials. Its collection contains more than 86,000 historical documents and serves educators, students, and the public worldwide.