The Iowa Department of Education co-sponsors the “History Teacher of the Year” award for K-12 teachers who have at least three years of classroom teaching experience and can demonstrate a commitment to the teaching of American history in creative ways. Candidates may be nominated by friends, family, students, or colleagues. The winner of the state award receives a prize package including a certificate of recognition, a $1,000 award, a collection of classroom resources to be presented in their name to the school library, and an invitation to participate in a Gilder Lehrman Institute summer seminar. From the state winners, one is recognized as the National History Teacher of the Year.
The award is co-sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, HISTORY® (History Channel) and Preserve America.
Visit the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History website (http://www.gilderlehrman.org/education/htoy_overview.php) to learn more.
2012 History Teacher of the Year - Monte DeArmoun
Monte DeArmoun is a grades 7-12 social studies teacher at Northwood-Kensett Junior-Senior High School at Northwood. He has been a teacher for 18 years. Monte has a bachelor of arts in political science and history from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
2012 History Teacher of the Year Finalists
Left to Right: Director Jason Glass, Winner Monte DeArmoun, Finalist Amber Davison
- Amber Davison is a US and World History teacher at Hoover High School in Des Moines. She has been a teacher for seven years. Amber has a bachelor of arts in social work and history from Wartburg College and a master’s degree from Drake University.
Past Honorees
| Year | Name | School | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Monte DeArmoun | Northwood-Kensett Junior-Senior High School | Northwood |
| 2011 | Lisa Zylstra | Jefferson Intermediate School | Pella |
| 2010 | Brian Connick | Algona Community High School | Algona |
| 2009 | Donna Wynn | Clark Elementary School | Sioux City |
| 2008 | Gina Hanna | Prairie Central Springs Middle School | Nora Springs |
| 2007 | Kimberly Heckart | Prairie Ridge Elementary School | Cedar Rapids |
| 2006 | Nancy J. Daley | St. Patrick Elementary School | Waukon |
| 2005 | Ron VanStrien | Southeast Warren High School | Liberty Center |
| 2004 | James Daniel | Valley High School | West Des Moines |