(09/12/2025) Andover High School educator Gracia Elrick Cooper was recently named the 2025 Minnesota History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Since 2004, this distinguished award has recognized exceptional K–12 educators for their remarkable work in teaching American history.

The annual recognition program, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute—the nation’s leading nonprofit for K–12 American history education—celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. It recognizes educators for their dedication, creativity, and effective use of primary sources. Nominees are recommended by students, colleagues, or school leaders and selected by state committees of historians and educators.

As an AP U.S. History and AP World History teacher at Andover High School, Elrick Cooper exercises her passion for helping students develop and apply historical thinking skills. With over a decade of teaching experience, she has served as an AP Reader and contributed to district curriculum committees for both U.S. and World History. Elrick Cooper holds a B.A. in History and an M.A.T. in Social Studies Education from Georgia State University and is completing her M.A. in American History at Gettysburg College in the summer of 2025. 

“Andover is extremely lucky to have a teacher like Mrs. Elrick Cooper, whose passion, expertise, and love for teaching history are evident every day with her students,” said Andover High School principal Tim Feine.

As the 2025 Minnesota History Teacher of the Year, Elrick Cooper received a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition at a local ceremony. Elrick Cooper joined 52 other honorees as a finalist for the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year Award.