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Andover High’s Gracia Cooper Named 2025 Minnesota History Teacher of the Year
Andover High’s Gracia Elrick Cooper Named 2025 Minnesota History Teacher of the Year
Andover, Minn. — Gracia Elrick Cooper, a social studies teacher at Andover High School, has been named the 2025 Minnesota History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
The prestigious award recognizes outstanding K–12 educators across the nation who bring creativity, rigor, and passion to the study of American history. Honorees are selected for their innovative use of primary sources, dedication to student learning, and commitment to preserving the importance of history in education.
A Teacher of Impact
Cooper teaches AP U.S. History and AP World History at Andover High School. With more than a decade of teaching experience, she is deeply committed to helping students build and apply historical thinking skills. She earned a B.A. in History and an M.A.T. in Social Studies Education from Georgia State University and is currently completing a master’s degree in American History at Gettysburg College.
Beyond the classroom, Cooper has contributed her expertise as an AP Reader and has served on curriculum committees for both U.S. and World History in her district.
Recognition and Next Steps
As Minnesota’s state winner, Cooper received a $1,000 honorarium and a curated collection of American history books and educational resources from the Gilder Lehrman Institute. She is now one of 53 finalists nationwide for the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year Award.
This year’s national honor went to Valencia Abbott of North Carolina, who was announced as the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year.
About the Award
Established in 2004, the Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year program highlights one exceptional educator from each U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. territories. Teachers are nominated by students, colleagues, or school leaders, and winners are chosen by committees of historians and master educators.
The national winner receives a $10,000 prize, and all state winners are honored for their role in inspiring the next generation of citizens and scholars.
