Cordova Jr./Sr. High School’s very own Emily Moody has been named the 2026 Alaska History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
Moody will receive $1,000 in prize money, a collection of American history books and materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and an invitation to New York City this fall for a ceremony honoring all of this year’s 52 honorees. The national winner, to be announced at the ceremony, will receive $10,000.
“The Gilder Lehrman Institute does great work,” she said. “It’s an honor to be recognized.”
Moody started her career as a teacher on Prince of Wales Island for four years. After coming to Cordova in 2015 she began teaching junior high social studies and English, until moving on to teach high school social studies in 2019.
“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,” says 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.”
The institute, a New York-based nonprofit, has recognized exceptional K-12 history teachers in each state since 2004.
Moody said she does not plan on making the trip to New York for the recognition ceremony this fall.
This story was updated at 10:32 a.m. on Sept. 7.
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