Ted Gehring, a St. Francis Middle School 6th grade social studies teacher, was named the 2026 Minnesota 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. In addition to the recognition, Gehring received a $1,000 prize, a curated collection of classroom resources, and is a finalist for the national award (announced in the fall).
About Mr. Gehring: Gehring is entering his 20th school year in the district (14 at the middle school and five at St. Francis High School). Last school year, Gehring was named the Isanti VFW Post 2735 and Regional District 7 Middle School Citizenship Teacher of the Year. He was honored at banquets in December for his exceptional work in the area of civics/social studies. Last fall he guided his students in collaborating with district and area experts to write the history of the Blue Earth Reservation, which was published on Wikipedia. He was a 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year semifinalist.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History as their 2026 MN Teacher of the Year. They are an amazing organization truly dedicated to helping teachers deliver the highest quality of history instruction. For over a decade, our middle school has been a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School giving our social studies teachers free access to an amazing library of primary sources, interviews with leading historians, and top notch professional development opportunities,” Gehring stated about this award.
Gehring added, “My goal is that my students leave our classroom better understanding the craft of a historian and have the opportunity to help create public facing history that helps tell a better, more complete story of our past. The Blue Earth Reservation Wikipedia page was just one example of these types of opportunities. I can’t wait to see the history that this next year’s class will produce.”
About the Award: 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.
“History teachers play an essential role in helping students understand the past, build critical thinking skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the people and events that shaped our nation,” says James G. Basker, president and CEO of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. “We are proud to recognize educators who go above and beyond to make history engaging, meaningful, and relevant in their classrooms.”
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 86,000 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.