Paul A. Gagnon Prize

The 2027 Paul A. Gagnon Prize will be presented to either
a K-12 history teacher who exhibits exceptional historical
scholarship or an individual or group that has made a
significant contribution to the promotion of history education.

Application deadline is December 4, 2026 and
the NCHE Office will notify the winner by January 8, 2027.

Past Gagnon Prize Recipients

2026 Gagnon Prize

Valencia Abbott
Rockingham County Schools

Paul Gagnon was the first Executive Director of NCHE after serving as Chief of Staff, Editor, and Principal Investigator for our predecessor organization, the Bradley Commission on History in Schools. Paul loved and respected history teachers, identifying their work as essential to the maintenance of a democratic society. He was adamant that all students have the opportunity to learn the story of their country and the world. He fought tirelessly for standards and frameworks for history that identified a core of history that could be taught in the time available and cautioned against curricula that are too encyclopedic to be taught, or too vague for students to understand.

The Paul Gagnon Memorial Fund supports an annual Paul A. Gagnon Prize which seeks to encourage two of Paul’s cherished interests: continuing scholarship on the part of K-12 history teachers; and the promotion and protection of history education in the K-12 curricula.

Criteria for the Paul A. Gagnon Prize

K-12 History Teachers

  • Commitment to the idea that scholarship and teaching go together and that learning, especially for teachers, must be a lifetime dedication and a source of continuing exhilaration and joy.
  • Consistent commitment to the study of history and teaching it to students at the pre-collegiate level.
  • Publishing or presenting historical research that advances historical education and scholarship.
  • Continuing dedication to advancing historical knowledge and expertise through participation in historical seminars, workshops, and conferences.

Individuals or Groups Who Promote History Education

  • Commitment to the idea that history education is an essential part of every citizens education and that every student, regardless of ability track, is owed the opportunity to learn U.S. and world history.
  • Consistent commitment to the study of history and teaching it to students at the pre-collegiate level.
  • Published work, presentations, or other work that argues for the importance of history education and significantly promotes and/or protects history education is schools.
  • Continuing dedication to advancement of history education as demonstrated through outstanding teaching performance, curriculum development, presentations at historical seminars, workshops, and conferences or any other endeavors that promote K-12 history education.

Significant Dates

  • December 4, 2026 – Completed applications and supporting materials must be received by the NCHE Office.
  • January 8, 2027 – Paul A. Gagnon Prize winner will be notified by the NCHE Office.
  • March 4-6, 2027 – The Paul A. Gagnon Prize will be awarded at the 2027 NCHE Conference.

2027 Paul A Gagnon Prize Winner Will Receive

  • A plaque
  • A $1,000 cash prize
  • Complimentary registration for the 2027 & 2028 NCHE Conference
  • A presentation spot on the program at the 2028 NCHE Conference

Submission of Application Materials

  • A cover letter of not more than two pages indicating why the individual or group deserves the award (either self-nomination or nominating another).
  • A curriculum vitae including institution, teaching assignments, and contact information.
  • A narrative description of the program or project and an explanation of how it advanced the study of history at the pre-collegiate level.  Please include a copy of any presentations if applicable.
  • Three letters of support written by individuals familiar with the applicant’s work, not more than two pages for each letter.
Submit an Application

NCHE welcomes contributions that honor Paul’s memory. Make checks payable to NCHE and write “Gagnon Prize” on the memo line.

Send to:

National Council for History Education
Attn: Gagnon Prize
13940 Cedar Road #393
University Heights, OH  44118
If you want to put your contribution on a credit card, call NCHE at (240) 888-4105.