History teacher gets recognition

Kristy Brasfield, a teacher at Joe T. Robinson High School in the Pulaski County Special School District, has been named the 2021 Arkansas History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

The institute, which provides educational programs and resources that focus on the knowledge and understanding of American history, annually recognizes one kindergarten-through-12th-grade teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and U.S. territories. The 2021 National History Teacher of the Year will be named this fall.

Brasfield teaches U.S. History and English IV, and previously taught Advanced Placement and Pre-AP History in the Blytheville School District for eight years.

She serves on the Arkansas Council for the Social Studies Board, the Rho Kappa Advisory Council, and the National Constitution Center’s Teacher Advisory Council.

She has a bachelor’s degree in social science education, a master’s in education theory and practice, and an education specialist credential — all from Arkansas State University. She is writing a dissertation for a doctorate in education from ASU.

In addition to Brasfield receiving a $1,000 award, her school will receive a core archive of American history books and Gilder Lehrman educational materials.

Students, parents, colleagues and supervisors may nominate teachers for the 2022 award now at this website: https://bit.ly/2XsbEbp. The deadline for nominations is March 30.