Moore Teacher Named Oklahoma’s History Teacher of the Year

OKLAHOMA CITY — Julie Berryhill, a history teacher at Moore High School, has been named the 2024 Oklahoma History Teacher of the Year. This award is presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education.

Berryhill graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee in May 2011. She has been a certified classroom teacher at Moore High School since August 2011. Berryhill teaches multiple subjects, including AP U.S. History and Oklahoma History. She is also the social studies department chair.

“History has the most interesting stories and lessons to be learned that are not only true, but also open for debate and discussion,” Berryhill said in her application. “There is a unique opportunity in teaching history to help students develop skills that allow them to be responsible citizens that think critically about the world around them.”

Berryhill was recommended for the award by David C. Burton, district curriculum coordinator for Moore Public Schools.

“Julie’s ability to couple high expectations and appropriate support mechanisms serves as a prominent way to engage all of her students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, and to help them understand that she truly cares about their success in academics and in life,” said Burton. “Julie’s professionalism and her commitment to academic excellence make her highly respected by leaders throughout our district.”

In addition to a $1,000 prize, Berryhill will receive an archive of classroom resources and recognition at a local ceremony. She is now one of 53 finalists for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year Award. The national winner will be announced later this year.

Inaugurated in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. territories. The winner of this year’s National History Teacher of the Year Award will be announced in the fall.

Nominations for the 2025 History Teacher of the Year Awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and administrators may nominate K-12 teachers for the award by visiting gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy. The deadline for 2025 nominations is April 30, 2025.

About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The institute is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit 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 National Daughters of the American Revolution.

About the Oklahoma History Center
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives, and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites, and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs, and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.