Get to Know the 2017 History Teachers of the Year: Andrea Guy, Tennessee

This year, Gilder Lehrman recognized 52 State History Teachers of the Year for their tireless and innovative efforts to make history come alive for their students. 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 these talented teachers to answer a few questions about themselves and to reflect on the challenges and joys of teaching. We will feature one state winner every Tuesday and Thursday between now and September, so keep checking back to learn more about these outstanding educators!

This week, meet Andrea Guy: 

Andrea Guy, Hardin Valley Academy Teacher and 2017 Tennessee State History Teacher of the Year

What is the last great history book you read?
How can I pick just one? I loved Timothy Egan’s The Worst Hard Time, which is about the Dust Bowl. I also tell my students that every single one of them should read Dee Brown’s Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee because that book changed the way I teach history. It had a profound effect on me and caused me to constantly challenge myself to teach history from other perspectives. Another great book is The Presidents Club, by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy, which I also recommend to my students. That book just blew my mind about the relationships between presidents after they leave office.

What is your favorite historical site or museum?
I could never pick just one! I love Lowell, Massachusetts. I went there as part of the NEH Summer Institute and was just amazed by the mills and the history that was still there. The entire city of Boston and the Freedom Trail is something I recommend my students do all the time. Finally, the Smithsonian American Art Museum has so much history in it. I could spend days inside just wandering, staring at the paintings.

What advice would you give to young people, in high school or college, who may be considering a career in education but are unsure?
I tell my students to always have a back-up plan. Get a degree that gives you flexibility. Teaching is hard, and the demands on teachers never lessen. Students need to get degrees that are marketable and where teaching for thirty years is not their only option. If they go into teaching and find that they do not love it or have the enthusiasm to work through the challenges, then they have something else they can be passionate about. I love my job, and I love going to work and engaging with students every day. That is what makes the stress and long hours worth it.

Who is your favorite historian?
I am a big fan of James McPherson, and have read all of his books. I once thought I would get my PhD in history with a focus on the Civil War, and I read about that subject exhaustively. I love Bruce Catton, Clifford Dowdey, Ed Bearss, Shelby Foote. In terms of topics other than the Civil War, I read everything that David McCullough writes because he is just so eloquent and brings history to life.

What is your favorite historical film or series?
My all-time favorite historical film is hands-down Last of the Mohicans. I saw it in the theaters over nine times, and since then I have seen it more times than I can count. It is a beautiful, raw film that I think captures the brutality and beauty of the French and Indian War.

Do you have a favorite historical topic or era?
Antebellum America

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?
My students love social history, in large part because I do. I do a lot of things with artifacts to help them with questioning, and that is always something that they talk about. In general students also seem to enjoy the World War I through World War II era.