This award is presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K–12 American history education.
McBride graduated from Oklahoma State University and has been a history teacher for Owasso Public Schools since 2001. She teaches AP European History, AP U.S. History, U.S. History and Psychology to students in grades 9-12. She is also the department chair.
McBride said she loves teaching history because there is always something new to learn. She strives to make history fun and relevant.
“History is important to students because it teaches many lessons. History is not just dates/events; it is messy, and it is real. Real people in history had real problems just like today – that makes it relevant,” McBride said in her application. “History is alive, active, and we are all part of it. Helping students become invested and learning from history is imperative because they will be the ones that will shape a better world for all of us.”
McBride was recommended for the award by Kristina Vrska, assistant principal at Owasso High School.
“In the time that I have known Mrs. McBride, I have been able to witness how devoted she is to education and her students,” said Vrska. “She dedicates a lot of time and energy into providing the best learning environment for her students and becoming the best version of herself.”
In addition to a $1,000 prize, McBride will receive an archive of classroom resources and recognition at a local ceremony in her honor. She also becomes one of 53 finalists for the 2022 National History Teacher of the Year Award.
Inaugurated in 2004, 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 U.S. territories. The winner of this year’s National History Teacher of the Year Award will be announced in the fall.
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 non-profit 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) non-profit 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.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.