Centennial Middle School Teacher Amanda Eskeets Honored as 2024 Utah History Teacher of the Year

July 31st, 2024 /
Spencer Tuinei /
Centennial Middle, In the News, News, Public Relations, Recognitions and Awards, Schools, Secondary Schools, Teaching and Learning

Centennial Middle School proudly announces that Amanda Eskeets has been named the 2024 Utah History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, recognizing her excellence in history education and tireless dedication to her students.

Presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 American history education, this award honors one K–12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and United States Territories. Started in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year program celebrates outstanding history teachers across the United States, recognizing their vital contributions to history education and promoting its importance in shaping informed and engaged citizens.

As the 2024 Utah History Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Eskeets will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a core archive of American history books, and educational materials curated by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. She will also be recognized at a local ceremony and join 53 other state winners as finalists for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award, which includes a $10,000 prize. The national award winner will be announced this fall at a special ceremony on October 15, 2024, at the Harvard Club of New York City.

Amanda knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. She earned a B.S. in History with a Teaching Emphasis from Utah State University and is set to complete her M.A. in American History from the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman program in September. Eskeets begins her 12th year teaching U.S. History at Centennial Middle School in Provo, Utah. In her 12 years at Centennial Middle School, Eskeets has taught history and ignited many lifelong loves for the subject in her students. She engages them through field trips, student-written petitions for change, and trips across the country, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of American history. This summer, for example, she will be traveling to the Mount Vernon Teaching Institute and chaperoning a student trip to Washington, D.C., further enriching her students’ learning experiences.

Amanda’s teaching philosophy centers around critical thinking and inquiry. She encourages her students to see history as a living, evolving narrative and inspires them to participate in understanding and shaping it actively. Principal Brookanne Taylor wrote, “When Amanda teaches, she teaches passionately. She encourages critical thinking and inquiry and inspires students to participate in history yearly.”

“Amanda truly cares about everyone, whether a student or an adult,” shared Nicole Murray, a fellow Centennial Middle School teacher and colleague. “She advocates for others and supports those around her. Her passion for history is evident in her teaching, and she continuously strives to learn more.”

James G. Basker, President of the Gilder Lehrman Institute, similarly shared his sentiments on the award: “In times like these, history teachers play a critical role in shaping students’ understanding of the past and inspiring hope for the future. Their unwavering dedication to educating our youth is commendable, and we take great pride in honoring the most exceptional educators across the country.”

We stand by Murray and Principal Taylor’s nominating words and celebrate Amanda Eskeets for her dedication and the lasting impact of her work. Teachers like Eskeets make Provo a place where history comes alive, and students grow; we thank her for stewarding our budding historians.

About The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. The Institute’s mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. Drawing on the 85,000 documents in the Gilder Lehrman Collection and an extensive network of eminent historians, the Institute provides teachers, students, and the general public with access to unique primary source materials.

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 Daughters of the American Revolution.