The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has handpicked 15 middle and high school teachers for the 2025 America 250 NC Teacher Fellowship, as they look to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with educational flair. These instructors were chosen for their diverse backgrounds and expertise, hailing from various regions across the state, reflecting a commitment to varied perspectives in the teaching of our nation's history.
According to a press release from the DNCR, the fellowship aims to "provide teachers with tools and resources to help students understand our state’s history and the important role it played in the American Revolution." Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell emphasized the initiative's intent to connect "our department’s educational resources to as many teachers and students as possible." The program is designed to not just offer a narrow focus, but to explore broadly how freedom has been understood and pursued across three centuries in North Carolina.
This fellowship is more than a historical deep dive—it seeks to actively involve educators in shaping the resources and educational materials that will be used in classrooms across the state. By visiting historic sites and engaging in both in-person and virtual learning experiences, these teacher fellows will substantially deepen their understanding of history and sharpen their ability to bring it alive in the classroom.
Fellows also have the unique opportunity to network with other historians and scholars, building a community dedicated to history education. They are expected to "play a pivotal role in advising DNCR on meeting the evolving needs of K-12 students and teachers," an integral part of the initiative as noted by Secretary Cashwell in the DCNR official announcement. This suggests a dynamic approach to education that is designed to adapt to the changing pedagogical landscape, keeping teachers at the forefront of curriculum design.
The list of 2025 America 250 NC Teacher Fellows includes Tim Barnsback, Majulee Edwards, Ijeoma Eke, among others, bringing together educators who support multiple schools, as well as those teaching at specific institutions. The entire list of fellows can be viewed on the DNCR website.
The NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, which operates a vast array of cultural and historical sites across North Carolina, including museums, parks, and trails, has partnered with Carolina K-12 for implementing the fellowship. More information about the America 250 NC initiatives can be found at the America250.NC.gov portal.
