Vashon High School (VHS) teacher Heather Miller has been named the 2025 Washington 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 work in teaching American history.

“Ms. Miller is the kind of teacher who truly changes the lives of her students and elevates the experiences of her colleagues,” said VHS Assistant Principal Sabrina Kovacs. “She brings out the scholar in every student and I can think of no one more deserving of national recognition.”

Miller has been a fixture in the VHS social studies department for years, known for her dynamic approach to history instruction. Her classes are filled with immersive, student-centered learning experiences that go far beyond textbooks and lectures. From designing historical escape rooms to simulating events like the Stock Market crash, the Red Scare, and the Berlin Airlift, Miller creates opportunities for students to grapple with the complexity and layered dimensions of the past.

“Heather Miller is the kind of teacher who inspires both her students and colleagues,” said McMurray history teacher Becky Blankenship, who nominated Miller for the award. “As a parent, I can’t tell you the number of times my daughter came home on fire about something she had learned or done in Ms Miller’s class. Her class is filled with creative and engaging activities that push students to really analyze our past. A number of which I thought were so amazing that I adapted them for my own classroom bring much joy to our middle school students.”

Miller has taught AP U.S. History and U.S. History at Vashon Island High School since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, is a National Board Certified Teacher, and serves as a PLC Team Lead and New Teacher Mentor. Originally from Freeport, Illinois, she now lives in West Seattle with her husband and son.

Each year, the Gilder Lehrman Institute selects one exemplary history teacher from every state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense Schools, and U.S. Territories. Candidates are nominated by students, colleagues, parents, or school leaders and evaluated by a committee of historians and educators within their state.

As Washington’s honoree, Miller will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a certificate of recognition, and a curated collection of American history books and classroom resources. She will also be in the running for the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year, to be announced this fall at a special ceremony in New York City.