JACKSON, Wyo. — On Friday, August 1, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History named Cheryl Katz, a teacher at Jackson Hole High School (JHHS), as the 2025 Wyoming History Teacher of the Year.
As part of the award, Katz will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
Teton County School District #1 Interim Superintendent Scott Crisp commended Katz’s “commitment to teaching, connecting with students, having high expectations of students — while providing support, and of course, passion for history all translate into an awesome professional teacher.” As a World History and Advanced Placement U.S. Government educator at JHHS, Katz teaches “students to critically analyze the development of the modern world,” the announcement reads.
The annual recognition program celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and U.S. Territories. A local ceremony will celebrate Katz.
According to the Institute, the award has recognized exceptional kindergarten through 12th grade educators for their “remarkable work in teaching American history” since 2002.
“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,” Gilder Lehrman Institute President and CEO James G. Basker said. “We are proud to recognize educators who go above and beyond to make history engaging, meaningful and relevant in their classrooms.”
Award-winning educators also have a chance to win the national title. Nominees are recommended by students, colleagues or school leaders and selected by state committees of historians and educators, according to the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The national winner will be announced this fall at a special ceremony at the Harvard Club of New York City and will receive a $10,000 grand prize.
