Brunswick High School’s Sarah Campbell has been selected as Maine’s 2025 History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The award recognizes educators for their dedication, creativity and effective use of primary sources — that is, those created during the historical period being studied.

Gilder Lehrman Institute is the nation’s leading nonprofit for K through 12 American history education.

Campbell, who also serves as the school’s Social Studies Department head, has taught at Brunswick for 20 years.

“Sarah’s passion for history comes through every day and in every interaction with students,” Superintendent Phil Potenziano said. “Her energy and enthusiasm engage the students and breathe life into history lessons. This is truly a well-deserved award.”

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year Award for the state of Maine,” Campbell said. “I have so much respect for their commitment to helping students engage with American history through primary sources and for the valuable resources they provide to teachers. In a time when history can feel so polarized, navigating multiple perspectives in the classroom can be challenging.

“Primary documents help teachers walk that line carefully and give students a way to think critically and draw their own conclusions about historical events and interpretations. What I love most about teaching is connecting with students and getting them genuinely excited about history, how it still shapes the world around them and how they can be active participants in manifesting what our ‘history’ looks like in the future.”

Campbell receives a $1,000 prize, a curated collection of classroom resources and a chance at the national title.

“History teachers play an essential role in helping students understand the past, build critical thinking skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the people and events that shaped our nation,” said James G. Basker, president and CEO of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. “We are proud to recognize educators who go above and beyond to make history engaging, meaningful and relevant in their classrooms.”