Wills Shortlisted For National Teaching Award
Incoming Culbertson fourth-grade teacher April Wills has been named to a list of honorees in competition for a national prize. The 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award is presented be the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
Wills is one of 53 finalists for the 2024 award set to receive a $1,000 prize and an invaluable collection of classroom resources. 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.
Wills is an elementary teacher with more than 11 years of teaching experience in rural Montana schools. She holds a B.A. from The University of Montana in elementary education and an M.Ed. in learning and technology from Western Governors University.
As a Montana Historical Society Teacher Leader, April is committed to fostering a passion for learning and inspiring by extending educational experiences beyond traditional classroom settings. Wills advocates for hands-on, minds-on learning that promotes growth and understanding. She lives in eastern Montana with her family, where she teaches, coaches, and provides professional development while sharing her love of history.
“We are so proud of Mrs. Wills,” Culbertson Superintendent of Schools Nicole Simonsen said. ”This will be her first year in Culberston. She’ll be teaching fourth grade.”
Wills 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 national award.
The national award winner will be announced later this fall and they will take home a $10,000 grand prize at a ceremony Oct. 15 at the Harvard Club of New York City.
Visit www.gilderlehrman.org.
