3. Outstanding Teacher Of American History Contest
2025 NSDAR OUTSTANDING TEACHER OF AMERICAN HISTORY CONTEST INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOMINATING A TEACHER
PURPOSE OF CONTEST: To recognize a notable, full-time teacher of American History (and related fields, such as social studies, government, and citizenship education) in public, private and parochial schools, grades 5–12.
ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF AN OUTSTANDING TEACHER:
The candidate must:
a) have taught school during the academic years 2024–2025 and 2025–2026
b) teach in the state that sponsors the candidate
c) have an incisive knowledge of American history that he/she readily shares with students
d) foster a spirit of patriotism and loyal support of our country and constitutional government
e) demonstrate the ability to relate history to modern life and events
f) have high academic standards, requiring excellence at all times from students
g) be committed to his/her students and enjoy good rapport with them
HOW A STATE SOCIETY SELECTS AND HONORS A STATE WINNER AND SUBMITS THIS WINNER TO THE NATIONAL COMPETITION:
a) The state winner will be selected by a committee of at least three judges, two of whom are not DAR members. This committee must be appointed by the state historian and approved by the state regent.
b) The State Historian will upload the dossier and state certification that the applicant is the state winner using the online portal (DAR Academic Works Portal.) This portal is open for the coming year from November 1 through December 15 at 11:59 pm (Hawaii time).
c) The Historian General will send an email to the State Historian verifying the dossier is complete present and complete in the online portal
d) Honor the state winner with a special State Winner NSDAR Outstanding Teacher of American History pin and certificate. State Historian to order set through the DAR Store. State Historian will use the email from the Historian General to order set through the DAR Store.
Emailed or mailed applications for the national competition will no longer be accepted.
The direct URL link for the state winner online submission portal is: https://daracademicworks.com
CHOOSING AND HONORING THE NATIONAL WINNER OF THE CONTEST:
a) The Historian General will appoint a committee of three non-DAR judges to select the Outstanding Teacher of American History for 2026.
b) The national winner will be honored at the 135th Continental Congress in 2026 and will receive a check for $5,000, a special certificate, and a book.
c) $2,500 will be awarded to the second-place national winner and $1,000 to the third-place national winner. Each award recipient will receive a special certificate and a book.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE CAUSE FOR DISQUALIFICATION
- Award
- Varies
- Deadline
- 12/15/2025