Darcy Daniels, a Nipmuc Regional High School history teacher, has been named the 2024 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Daniels 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, at the Harvard Club of New York City. 

Established in 2004, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional K-12 teachers for their outstanding contributions to American history education.

Daniels joined the staff at Nipmuc Regional High School in 2022, where she currently teaches U.S. history and is an advisor to both the class of 2026 and a club for immigrant students called Friendly Faces. Daniels is also a tour guide for the Freedom Trail in Boston and is an adjunct history professor at Dean College. An educator for over 20 years in three countries and four states, she is a James Madison Memorial Fellow and a Teach For America alum. She was also featured in the New York Times Best Seller book, The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Lasting Impact by Chip and Dan Heath.

"I'm honored to share this award with so many excellent teachers. Critical thinking, civic action and good communication skills are necessary for all Americans today, and they learn those skills through social studies classes," Daniels said. "History sometimes gets overlooked, but I think it's the bedrock of our identity as citizens and I feel honored that I get to teach the subject I love every day."

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.

"Ms. Daniels is a phenomenal teacher who makes critical thinking, civic engagement and historical inquiry come to life each day for her students," said Mary Anne Moran, co-principal of Nipmuc Regional High School.

"She is a personable, kind-hearted, and dedicated educator and leader who makes a positive impact on her students, colleagues and those who are fortunate enough to work with her," added John Clements, co-principal of Nipmuc Regional High School. "We are grateful to have her as a member of the Nipmuc community."

Daniels is the second educator from Nipmuc Regional High School to be honored as a Massachusetts Teacher of the Year in recent months. In June, Nipmuc Regional High School science teacher Jim Gorman was named Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year.

About The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is a 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. Learn more at gilderlehrman.org.

Submitted by the Mendon-Upton Regional School District