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Shelby Hall, a teacher at New Palestine High School in New Palestine, has been named the 2025 Indiana 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.

“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.”

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.

Shelby Hall teaches U.S. Government, U.S. History, and Sociology at New Palestine High School and is known for her commitment to student learning. She brings creativity and imagination into the classroom, using primary source documents, artifacts, oral histories, and historic sites to spark student engagement and deepen historical understanding. Her passion for teaching and dedication to innovative instruction exemplify what it means to be an outstanding educator.

"Mrs. Hall is a phenomenal teacher who consistently brings history to life for her students," said New Palestine High School Principal Jim Voelz. "Her ability to connect the past to the present while developing critical thinking in her students is nothing short of exceptional. We are proud to celebrate this well-earned recognition."

As the 2025 Indiana History Teacher of the Year, Hall will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition at a local ceremony. She will also join 52 other honorees as a finalist for the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year Award.

The national winner will be announced this fall at a special ceremony at the Harvard Club of New York City and will receive a $10,000 grand prize. To view the full list of 2025 state honorees, please visit https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-teacher-year/state-winners.

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.

 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 Daughters of the American Revolution. Learn more at gilderlehrman.org.

 

NPCS Board of Trustees Honored by the Indiana School Boards Association

The New Palestine Community Schools Board of Trustees has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA)–Advanced Level–for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning. Only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana earned awards through the EGA program this year.

The awards are conferred annually across four levels of distinction based on the points earned by school board members for attending ISBA seminars, workshops, conferences, and other learning events, as well as the completion of certain additional criteria, such as a retreat with an outside facilitator and goal setting to elevate student achievement outcomes.

“On behalf of ISBA, I would like to commend this most exceptional group of school boards and school board members,” said ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin. “School boards perform a vital public service for their communities, and board members who actively participate in professional learning are better equipped to govern effectively and meet the needs of students.”

Award recipients were formally recognized during ISBA’s Spring Regional Meetings throughout the month of May. In addition to board-level honors, a total of 239 school board members were celebrated for earning individual EGA (Effective Governance Awards) distinctions. Among them, Laura Haeberle and Dan Walker achieved Exemplary status—the highest level of recognition available to school board members.

Additionally, Brian McKinney was honored on the Exemplary Governance Honor Roll, which recognizes individuals who have previously attained Exemplary status and continue to demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional development and effective board service.

“The entire NPCS community extends congratulations to our incredible board. This recognition, while no surprise to us, is truly well-deserved. It reaffirms what we’ve always known — that they are a remarkable group of individuals who serve our school community with dedication and excellence,” said Dr. Gina Pleak.

ISBA provides a full range of professional learning opportunities at dozens of events throughout the year to inform and educate school board members about best practices, legislative issues, policy development, school law, and more.

For a complete list of individual and board award recipients for the 2024 award year, please visit https://www.isba-ind.org/ega.html.