Kendrick Bryan Named 2024 Kentucky History Teacher of the Year
Kendrick Bryan, a U.S. History teacher at LaRue County High School in Hodgenville, Kentucky, has been honored as the 2024 Kentucky History Teacher of the Year. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K–12 American history education, presents this award annually.
Bryan, an alumnus of Western Kentucky University, was recognized as a James Madison fellow in 2017. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he sponsors the school's pep club and the Student YMCA. Additionally, he judges the We the People student competition. Bryan and his family reside in Elizabethtown.
In recognition of his achievement, Bryan will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a core archive of American history books, Gilder Lehrman educational materials, as well as recognition at a local ceremony and at the Kentucky Historical Society's annual History Awards.
Inaugurated in 2004 and now celebrating its twentieth anniversary, 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 US Territories.
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 nonprofit 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) 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 National Daughters of the American Revolution.
Nominations for the 2025 History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, educators, and supervisors may nominate K–12 teachers by visiting gilderlehrman.org/history-teacher-year.