CRAWFORD, Neb. — Nathan Kackmeister, a teacher at Crawford Public Schools, has been named the 2024 Nebraska State History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Kackmeister was selected from nominations statewide for his commitment to teaching historical thinking skills, such as inquiry, research, analyzing multiple perspectives, and synthesizing information. The award honors K-12 teachers across the United States, including the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. territories, who excel in teaching history.

As part of the recognition, Kackmeister will receive a $1,000 award, and Crawford Public Schools will become a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School. The designation provides the school with history books and educational materials from the institute.

Kackmeister is also now a finalist for the $10,000 National History Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced later this year.