September 3, 2026

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education announced on Thursday that Sophia Blair has been named Nevada’s 2026 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year.

Blair teaches at Doral Academy of Northern Nevada, a public charter school in Reno authorized by the State Public Charter School Authority. She will be recognized later this month during a ceremony at her school.

“Ms. Blair exemplifies excellence in social studies teaching by bringing history to life and challenging her students to engage in civic discourse,” said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We are proud to recognize Blair as Nevada’s recipient of this prestigious award.”

The Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year program recognizes exceptional K-12 educators who demonstrate a commitment to teaching American history, engaging students through creative and meaningful instruction, and effectively incorporating primary sources and historical inquiry into the classroom.

As Nevada’s 2026 honoree, Blair joins a national network of educators recognized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History for excellence in history education.

“Ms. Blair is an incredibly dedicated educator who understands that teaching history and civics are fundamental to the development of future citizens and to our democracy,” said Angela Orr, Principal at Doral Academy of Northern Nevada. “She engages her students in historical analysis, collaboration, problem solving, and in-depth discussions to bring the past to life and to ensure that students are equipped with the skills they need for the future. She is a stellar teacher, and we are lucky to see her positive impact every day at Doral Academy!”

Blair places students at the center of the learning process. Her classroom emphasizes inquiry, primary source analysis, evidence-based discussion, and civic discourse.

She challenges her students to examine evidence, consider multiple perspectives, construct arguments, and understand why history continues to matter today.

Beyond the classroom, Blair serves as a mentor teacher and supports civic education initiatives at Doral Academy. Her leadership in history and social studies education extends across Nevada and nationally through professional organizations, curriculum work, professional learning, and presentations for fellow educators.

“Sophia demonstrates the kind of history instruction we want students to experience - students actively examining evidence, asking questions, engaging with different perspectives, and building their own understanding of the past,” said Amanda Jo Hughes, Education Programs Professional for Social Studies at the Nevada Department of Education. “Her commitment to both her students and the broader social studies community makes her an outstanding representative of history education in Nevada.”

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.