Get to Know the State History Teachers of the Year, Part III

This year we recognized 50 teachers as State History Teachers of the Year. These exceptional educators were awarded $1,000 and an archive of books and resources for their school library, and were honored in state ceremonies. But who are they, really? We asked several state winners to answer a few questions about themselves. This week, meet

Kelsey Snyder, 2016 Minnesota State History Teacher of the Year

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t teaching history?
A: I love to listen/watch/talk about anything Hamilton. I saw the Broadway show last summer before the original cast left, and it was one of the best pieces of art I’ve ever seen. I also love to read books about history, travel, write, and spend time with my family and friends.

Q: Out of the historical sites and museums you’ve visited, which one has left the greatest impression on you?
A: My favorite historical site is Mount Vernon. I’ve gotten to spend a great deal of time there for a Gilder Lehrman seminar and also as a teacher fellow. Some of the best moments of my life have been spent on the piazza watching the Potomac thinking about all of the momentous figures that have been in that very spot. There is an air about Mount Vernon that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. I love being there!

Q: What part of teaching always puts a smile on your face?
A: The students! Every single day they make me laugh and smile. I love having a job where I get to meet so many amazing people all of the time.

Q: If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?
A: It’s impossible for me to choose just one historical figure. I would want to have a dinner party with the founders. Although I’d like to have conversations with all of them, I’d especially like to see their interactions and personalities.

Q: What historical films or shows would you binge watch on a rainy afternoon?
A: The West Wing is my binge television show. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen each episode, I love watching it! And now I’m even listening to the West Wing Weekly podcast with Josh Malina, one of the cast members. The episode where they interviewed Aaron Sorkin was so interesting!

Amy Maddox, 2016 Alabama State History Teacher of the Year

Q: Name a fact from American history most people don’t already know—but should!
A: I once had the privilege to attend a symposium with Fred Shuttlesworth, a leading foot soldier in Birmingham during the civil rights movement. He told a wonderful story about how he conquered his fear of flying. He had a debilitating fear that had hindered him from traveling for the purposes of the movement. After he survived a bombing of his home, he determined that "God must not be finished with me yet!" and thus he never feared flying again after that.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t teaching history?  
A: Being a mom to my two beautiful daughters.

Q: What’s the best history book—American or otherwise—you’ve ever read?
A: Anything by David McCullough. I have honestly enjoyed every one of his books that I have read.

Q: Out of the historical sites and museums you’ve visited, which one has left the greatest impression on you?
A: I can’t pick just one! The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in my hometown provides an incredibly powerful experience. I always enjoy the peace and tranquility of Mount Vernon. My most unexpected experience was a visit to the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian during which I found a picture of an older Cherokee gentleman who looked remarkably like my grandfather whose grandmother was Cherokee. 

Q: What—or who—inspired you to become a history teacher?  
A: The phenomenal professor of my freshmen year survey course in American history. His name was Dr. Lawrence Nelson. I had always appreciated history as a field of study, but he absolutely inspired me to make a career of it. His sincere enthusiasm and passion was contagious. He encouraged me to pursue this career and I remain enormously grateful to him for his support.

Q: What part of teaching always puts a smile on your face?  
A: Watching the "lightbulb" moments in the eyes of my students. I absolutely love seeing them make historical connections to knowledge they already have.   

Q: If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure, who would it be and why? 
A: I am a complete nerd when it comes to the founders. It would be incredibly difficult to choose just one, but maybe dinner with John and Abigail Adams would be the way to go!

Q: If you could listen to any historian—dead or alive—speak, who would it be?  
A: In all honesty, I would be thrilled and grateful to experience another lecture from my college professor Dr. Nelson who recently passed away. He was such an inspiration.

Q: Name one fact that people might not know about Alabama.  
A: When Alabama seceded from the union in January 1861, Winston County "seceded" from Alabama as a protest to the war.  

Q: What historical films or shows would you binge watch on a rainy afternoon?  
A: I’ve recently been told that the AMC series Turn is particularly good. I look forward to watching this one.

Do you know an outstanding K–12 American history teacher? Nominate them for National History Teacher of the Year!