Sayre Posey, a teacher at Bryant Middle School, has been named the 2026 Utah History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Since 2004, this distinguished award has recognized exceptional K–12 educators for their remarkable work in teaching American history.

“History teachers play an essential role in helping students understand the past, build critical thinking skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the people and events that shaped our nation,” says James G. Basker, president and CEO of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. “We are proud to recognize educators who go above and beyond to make history engaging, meaningful, and relevant in their classrooms.” 

The annual recognition program, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute—the nation’s leading nonprofit for K–12 American history education—celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. It recognizes educators 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.

Sayre Posey is a U.S. History and Pre-AP Geography & World History teacher at Bryant Middle School, a Title I school in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sayre has contributed to Utah’s C3 Inquiry hub and is a passionate believer in National History Day. Her students have won regional and state awards for their exhibits, and her practitioner-research Master's thesis was titled “The Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Attitudes Towards History.”

Sayre is the 2025 Utah Teacher of the Year, the 2025 Salt Lake City School District Teacher of the Year, and received a Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence from the National Education Association Foundation.  

“Sayre Posey brings an extraordinary depth of learning to our students at Bryant Middle School. In her classroom, students do far more than learn about historical events; they learn to think like historians. They examine evidence, question perspectives, construct well-supported arguments, engage in thoughtful critique, and write with increasing sophistication. The rigor she brings to this work prepares our students exceptionally well for advanced coursework while also helping them become curious, thoughtful, and informed young people. Sayre is an extraordinary educator, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognized as Utah’s History Teacher of the Year.” - Michelle N. Amiot, Ph.D.., Principal, Bryant Middle School

As the 2026 Utah History Teacher of the Year, Posey will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition at a local ceremony. They will also join 52 other honorees as a finalist for the 2026 National History Teacher of the Year Award.

The national winner will be announced this fall at a special ceremony at the Harvard Club of New York City and will receive a $10,000 grand prize. To view the full list of 2026 state honorees, please visit the Gilder Lehrman Institute website.