Grace Diaz named Minnesota History Teacher of the Year

Bloomington Public Schools teacher Grace Díaz has been named the 2024 Minnesota History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The prestigious award recognizes teachers for their contributions to American history education. 

Díaz has taught middle school social studies at Valley View Middle School for the past three years. Diaz was recognized for how she fosters students’ creativity, curiosity, consciousness, and ability to build connections while learning necessary skills and standards to be successful in high school and beyond.

“I’m very honored to be recognized for my work with the amazing students at Valley View Middle School. They give me hope for the future in their abundance of brilliant questions,” said Díaz.

Díaz will receive a $1,000 award, American history books and educational materials for use in the classroom. The state-level honor also qualifies Díaz as one of 53 finalists for National History Teacher of the Year, which will be announced at a ceremony in New York City in October.