The Gilder Lehrman Institute has selected Johnson High history teacher Amanda Fanelli as the 2024 Georgia History Teacher of the Year.  She is now one of 53 finalists to be named the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year.  Established in 2004, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional elementary through high school teachers for their outstanding contributions to American history education.

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.

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

Amanda Fanelli has been teaching history for 19 years. She is currently the Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate programs at Sol C. Johnson High School, and an IB History teacher. As a 2023-2024 Fulbright Teachers as Global Scholars participant, she had the chance to travel to Ghana to build global connections with teachers and learners with the shared goal of increasing empathy and cooperation around the globe.  She is also writing her dissertation now at Georgia Southern University. She loves teaching history because she believes it not only helps young people develop the skills needed to be problem-solving citizens ready to tackle current and future challenges, but also because history is the connective tissue of humanity, holding us together even in these sometimes difficult times.

“Ms. Fanelli is a dynamic educator”, says Mr. Derrick Muhammad her School Principal. “Her class is more than dates and circumstances. Amanda Fanelli challenges students to come out of their comfort zones and view the world from various perspectives. She empowers her students to speak up by creating a classroom environment that encourages debate and creativity.”

Ms. Fanelli will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a core archive of American history books, and educational materials curated by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Additionally, she will be recognized at a local ceremony and join the esteemed group of 53 finalists contending for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award.

The national award winner will be announced later this fall, and they will take home a $10,000 grand prize at a special ceremony on Oct. 15, 2024, at the Harvard Club of New York City.