(HARDIN, Ky.)-New Covenant Christian Academy’s Amanda Smith has been recognized as a history educator. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History named her the 2025 Kentucky History Teacher of the Year for her outstanding achievements in American history education.
This honor comes with a monetary award, an archive of books and historical resources,
and recognition at a statewide ceremony. In conjunction with this recognition, Smith is
also one of 53 finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year Award.
Smith said the recognition came as a complete surprise, so much so that she had to re-read the email multiple times before she could share the news with her family. “I felt humbled and truly honored,” she said.
This Gilder Lehrman program recognizes excellence in the teaching of history at the K-12 level. Each year, thousands of teachers are nominated by students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members, shining a light on the important work they do. Since 2004, the program has recognized more than 1,000 outstanding elementary, middle, and high school teachers in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. In each state, a committee of history teachers, professors, and other education professionals reviews the nominated teachers in its state.
NCCA humanities teacher Jackson Greer nominated Smith because he’s seen her work
firsthand, as he taught high school students who come to his class with an astute
understanding of history and a strong base for learning the past. He knows many of them learned that from her history classes. “I see her hands all over their abilities and skills, and I thought she should be recognized for all her hard work and dedication to our students and the history community,” Greer said.
Smith is beginning her 10th year at NCCA and her 14th school year as a teacher. For the
past seven years at New Covenant, Smith has included National History Day projects as
part of her class and has had students advance to the national level. NHD is an academic
program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for fourththrough 12th-grade students. Through the process, students develop skills in
communication, project management, and historical thinking.
Smith considers teaching history to be the best job in the world. “It’s relevant to our
human experience in so many ways,” Smith said. “Every decision, battle, movement,
innovation, and discovery has affected us in some way and adds so much texture to our
humanity. I think we all enjoy sharing our passions with others, and I get to do this every day to students who are our future.”
NCCA opened for the 2010-11 school year and offers preschool through high school. Students are exposed to a Christ-centered, biblically-based education as the foundation of all truth and knowledge. New Covenant is located at 218 College St. in Hardin. More information about the school is available at www.nccaky.org.