Landen Schmeichel named 2025 North Dakota History Teacher of the Year

August 11, 2025

BISMARCK, N.D. - Landen Schmeichel, a history teacher at Legacy High School, Bismarck, has been named the 2025 Gilder Lehrman North Dakota History Teacher of the Year. The awarded is presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and coordinated in North Dakota by the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Schmeichel holds a Bachelor of Science in history education from Dickinson State University and a Master of Arts in American history and government from Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio. "History allows students to examine their perspectives in relation to the words and deeds of those of the past," according to Schmeichel. "By examining primary sources organically, students are able to read, learn, ask questions, and examine what has changed over time and what remains the same."

A recognition in his honor will be held Friday, Aug. 15, at 8:15 a.m. during the Legacy High School all staff meeting. "Landen Schmeichel's passion for history goes far beyond the classroom walls-he inspires students to think critically, connect the past to the present, and see themselves as part of the larger human story," said Tom Schmidt, principal of Legacy High School. "His dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to students make this honor well deserved."

Inaugurated in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories.

In addition to a $1,000 honorarium, Schmeichel receives an invaluable archive of classroom resources from Gilder Lehrman and becomes one of 53 finalists for the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year Award. The winner of this year's National History Teacher of the Year Award will be announced later this fall.

Nominations for the 2026 History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors may nominate K-12 teachers for the award by visiting gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy. The deadline for 2026 nominations is April 30, 2026. For more information, contact Education Outreach Supervisor Madison Milbrath, [email protected] or 701.328.2794.

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CONTACT
Kara Haff, Public Information Officer
701.328.3547

MEDIA ADVISORY
Media planning to attend the Aug. 15 recognition ceremony are asked to RSVP to Kara Haff, [email protected] by 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14.

Legacy High School is located at 3400 E Calgary Ave in Bismarck.

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