Amanda Smith Named 2025 Kentucky History Teacher of the Year

Amanda Smith, a teacher at New Covenant Christian Academy in Hardin, has been named the 2025 Kentucky History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Since 2004, this distinguished award has recognized exceptional K–12 educators for their remarkable work in teaching American history. 

The annual recognition program, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute—the nation’s leading nonprofit for K–12 American history education—celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. It recognizes educators for their dedication, creativity, and effective use of primary sources. Nominees are recommended by students, colleagues, or school leaders and selected by state committees of historians and educators. 

Amanda Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle School Education, specializing in History and Mathematics. With 14 years of experience in both public and private educational environments, she is currently the Upper School history teacher at New Covenant Christian Academy (NCCA). Smith was instrumental in introducing the NCCA to the National History Day program and was honored as the NHD Junior Division Teacher of the Year for Kentucky in 2021, later becoming a finalist for the esteemed Patricia Behring National Award. Alongside her teaching duties, Smith also coaches both the junior varsity and varsity girls' volleyball teams. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and indulging in multiple cups of coffee.