Former BRI Teacher Council Member Earns Prestigious Award

A former Bill of Rights Institute’s National Teacher Council member was recently recognized by a national organization for her work with students. 

Jessica Culver, who teaches history at Ozark High School in Ozark, Ark., was named that state’s History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehman Institute of American History. According to its website, teachers in each state are nominated by students, parents, other teachers, and community members. A committee of history teachers, professors, and other education professionals reviews the nominees from each state and selects the winners. 

Culver said she was “incredibly honored” to receive the award and added she is “in the company of some amazing educators from all across our country's states and territories, and it is truly meaningful to be recognized alongside so many wonderful educators.” 

Frequently meeting other teachers and seeing their dedication to their students inspires Culver, and viewing the award recipients from other states reminds her of the power of education. 

“There are countless educators who go above and beyond, and I am thankful to know many of them,” Culver said. “Every time I attend a teacher workshop or Zoom, I interact with dedicated teachers who inspire me, and we support each other as social studies educators. 

“I enjoy so many things about being a history teacher, but one of my favorite experiences is when I see my former students all grown up and continuing to use the skills they learned in the classroom,” she added. “I enjoy being a social studies educator and helping students go off into the world as successful young adults [and] I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this next generation.”