CARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Education is thrilled to recognize Jessica Eichstedt, a teacher at Reed High School in the Washoe County School District, as the 2023 Nevada History Teacher of the Year, an award presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. She joins 52 other finalists being considered for National History Teacher of the Year and its $10,000 prize.

"I am so proud of Jessica Eichstedt and her commitment to her students. Her dedication to fostering a love for history and a sense of historical consciousness in her students is truly commendable," said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. "Jessica's innovative teaching methods and her ability to inspire young minds will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our state's future."

A panel of teachers, administrators, and scholars selected Eichstedt for her excellence in education from a pool of candidates. In recognition of her achievements, she will receive a $1,000 prize, an official certificate of acknowledgment, and a curated collection of books and historical resources to enhance her classroom instruction.

More about Jessica Eichstedt:

• Jessica Eichstedt was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. She holds two masters degrees, a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership and a Masters in Education in Reading Curriculum and Instruction. Fellow teachers describe Eichstedt as having a passion for American History that is infectious and inspiring to students and colleagues alike. Not only does she teach American History, she also started an Ethnic Diversity class at Reed High School and shares materials with other teachers in the district and around the country.

"Teaching history is at the very core of understanding human experiences across time and into present-day events and can be connected to the living experiences of multiple diverse groups of people," said Eichstedt about the importance of teaching history. "It's essential to teach our future how to navigate complex issues of present-day society by understanding the historical context and issues surrounding those events."

The History Teacher of the Year award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and US Territories.

This year's National History Teacher of the Year will be announced in fall of 2023 and celebrated at a ceremony in New York City.

Nominations for the 2024 History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, educators, and supervisors may nominate K-12 teachers by visiting gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy.

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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 about NDE and join us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The Institute is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K-12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute's programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, the Council of Independent Colleges, and the National Daughters of the American Revolution. Visit gilderlehrman.org to learn more.