Former political science major recognized by prestigious national institute 

UD alumna Ashley Miller was named 2026 Delaware History Teacher of the Year by the prestigious Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. 

Miller, who graduated in 2002 with a degree in political science, teaches social studies at the Conrad Schools of Science in Wilmington. She is also a mentor teacher for UD students in the history education program, a Delaware Teachers Institute Fellow and a participant in Library of Congress workshops offered through DTI at UD. 

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of American history through educational programs and resources. Each year it celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and U.S. Territories. Educators are recognized for their dedication, creativity and effective use of primary sources. Nominees are recommended by students, colleagues or school leaders and selected by state committees of historians and educators.

Miller’s accomplishment is the latest in a long history of UD’s secondary education alumni being recognized as outstanding educators, according to Trish Hermance, director of the secondary education program. In 2025 both the Delaware and Maryland teachers of the year were Blue Hens and countless other graduates have been chosen as building and district level award winners through the years.

“Every spring we hear from school districts actively seeking UD graduates over other candidates in their searches due to the quality of their preparation and their ability to drive student achievement in profound ways,” Hermance said. “Schools and districts know that if they hire a UD secondary ed graduate, they are hiring someone well prepared and ready to make a difference in their classrooms and communities.”

The Institute will announce the national Teacher of the Year award winner at a special ceremony this fall.