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 CHAPTER IS TO SELECT AND HONOR AN OUTSTANDING AMERICAN HISTORY TEACHER IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY:
a) Arrange for a conference with the principal in a local junior high, middle school, or high school (grades 5–12 only)
1) explain the purpose of the contest and review criteria
2) ask for the principal’s assistance in selecting a candidate
b) Prepare a complete dossier
1) see the official application for a checklist of what comprises a complete dossier
2) place a copy of the official application as the first page of the dossier
3) affix all materials comprising a dossier firmly with paper clips
4) limit the size of the dossier to no more than 20 single-sided text 8½ " x 11" pages
5) Do not submit a personal photograph. This contest is conducted without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin. Absolutely no photograph of the candidate may be sent, including pictures that might have been incorporated in newspaper articles.
6) Do not send video or audio tapes, or multi-page publications (except newspaper articles).
c) Completed dossier should be sent by the chapter historian to her state historian by the date set by the state society:
(The chapter may wish to retain an extra copy of the dossier for its records).
d) The chapter nominee may be honored with a special chapter certificate available for a nominal fee from the DAR Store. State Historians will be responsible for placing order for chapter winner certificates.

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