June 26, 2026
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — National History Day (NHD) in Iowa is proud to announce that Ann Jackson, a teacher at B.R. Miller Middle School in Marshalltown, has been named one of two recipients of the 2026 National History Day Teacher of the Year Award. Jackson was recognized as the national winner in the junior (middle school) division. Josh Elders of Peters Township Middle School in McMurray, Pennsylvania, was named the senior (high school) division winner. Each educator received a $5,000 cash prize.
Jackson has taught National History Day in the classroom for 13 years. Reflecting on the honor, she said:
"I am so honored to be named the 2026 NHD Teacher of the Year. National History Day requires students to think critically, ask bold questions, and engage thoughtfully with the past. I am grateful to be acknowledged by a program that empowers students to see themselves as historians and engaged, informed citizens."
Elders has taught National History Day in the classroom for 26 years. Reflecting on the honor, he said:
"Being named the 2026 NHD Teacher of the Year is a deeply humbling honor. Many of my best professional practices, friendships, and memories are because of NHD. For 26 years, the passion and efforts of my students have continued to drive my belief in this program and the skills it teaches its participants. I've seen students who have competed multiple years in our program transform from anxious middle schoolers into confident high schoolers; that is the true value of NHD in my mind, the opportunity to grow in your historical thinking and research skills while maturing into a productive member of society who possesses skills that will help define the success of the next generation."
Teachers from National History Day affiliates across the country could self-nominate or be nominated by students, colleagues, parents, or community members. Each affiliate selected up to one middle school teacher and one high school teacher to represent its program for this prestigious national award.
Nominees are recognized for their commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, active learning strategies that foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day program.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our 2026 Teacher of the Year Award winners," said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. "Ms. Jackson and Mr. Elders showcase the creativity, dedication, and passion that leave a profound impact on every student they teach. National History Day is proud to support these educators and the frontline work they do to advance civics and history education."
Seventy-eight educators were considered for the 2026 award. Jackson and Elders were selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians and were honored during the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in College Park, Maryland.
About National History Day® (NHD): NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. Established in 1974, NHD currently engages more than half a million students each year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest and supports teachers through professional development opportunities. Students present their research as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels, where the top entries are invited to the annual National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by the Joyful Noise Charitable Foundation, The Better Angels Society, Bezos Family Foundation, Library of Congress, Dr. Scholl Foundation, Behring Global Educational Foundation, and the National Park Service. For more information, visit nhd.org.
About National History Day in Iowa: Annually, more than a half million middle and high school students around the world research, develop and present papers, exhibits, documentaries, websites and performances about historical topics. The National History Day in Iowa program has been coordinated by the State Historical Society of Iowa since 1994. The 2026 theme is “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” Learn more at https://history.iowa.gov/learn/national-history-day.