What happens when educators from across New Mexico come together to ignite a passion for history in their students? The answer lies in the success of the New Mexico Humanities Council’s (NMHC) recent “National History Day (NHD) in New Mexico Teacher Workshop”. Led by Amy Page, the 2022 Teacher of the Year and a seasoned NHD Master Teacher, the two-day workshop was more than just a professional development opportunity — it was a transformative experience. Teachers from across New Mexico, representing grades 6-12 from public, charter and private schools learned to incorporate critical thinking and research skills into their curriculum, all while honing their craft using best practices.

Participants were introduced to the 2025 NHD theme, “Rights and Responsibilities in History,” and immersed themselves in primary sources to sharpen their research skills. They left the workshop not just with classroom materials, but with a renewed commitment to fostering historical inquiry, utilizing primary sources, among their students. As one teacher shared, “NHD has had a tremendous impact on our students over the past 8 years. We have a new 8th grade history teacher, so I was extremely pleased that an introductory workshop was offered to give a firm foundational overview of the NHD platform for both veterans and newbies. Our humanities department attended, and we agree that it was the most valuable and extensive workshop/conference in which we have taken part. The format, example projects, slides, activities, and handouts were stellar! Each component of the workshop was thought-provoking, hands-on, and valuable to both those who are new to the program and to teachers who have been implementing NHD for years.” — Lou Brassington, Ph.D. Candidate/Professor of Education at UNM, Head of the History Department — Hope Christian School, Albuquerque, NM).

Twenty-one teachers from around the state attended the workshop, coming from Albuquerque, Clovis, East Mountain High School, Los Alamos, and Moriarity. The numbers tell the story: The workshop’s success is evident not just in attendance but in its impact. One hundred percent of the attendees reported they were “extremely/very likely” to implement the research teaching strategies in their classrooms, with a strong intent to integrate National History Day into their curricula. This growing interest in NHD reflects a broader recognition of its value in meeting common core standards and preparing students for college and career success.

The workshop’s success was evident not just in the numbers but in the meaningful connections that were forged. The NMHC cultivated partnerships with key organizations like Albuquerque Public Schools and the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Visitor Center and Library, ensuring continued support for New Mexico’s teachers and students. As we look ahead, the NM Humanities Council remains committed to expanding access to NHD resources and support. The overwhelming response to this workshop, held during the last week of summer vacation, is a testament to the dedication of New Mexico’s educators and the vital importance of programs like NHD in shaping the future.

Building on the momentum of our recent workshop, we’re excited to highlight the upcoming theme for the 2024-2025 school year, which also marks National History Day’s 50th anniversary. The theme, “Rights and Responsibilities in History,”invites students to explore topics from any aspect of local, state, national or world history, while considering the intricate relationship between rights and responsibilities and their impact on government, science, art, religion, philosophy, education, and more. It’s a tall order-how do you tackle such a complex and multifaceted theme? Students will be challenged to examine questions of cause and effect, change over time, and the lasting impact and legacy of these concepts. The essence of this theme lies in understanding that rights and responsibilities are inherently linked-neither can truly exist without the other.

For more information about National History Day (NHD), or the 2025 NHD theme “Rights and Responsibilities” please visit NHD 2025 Contest Theme: “Rights and Responsibilities,“ or contact Stephanie Wilson – NHD in NM Contest Coordinator: HistoryDay@NMHumanities.org.

If you know a teacher who might be interested in bringing National History Day (NHD) into their classroom, or anyone who might be interested in learning more about NHD, please contact Stephanie Wilson, NHD in NM Contest Coordinator on information about how to get involved!