Author: Sean Stanek, 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Holly Shelter Middle, 2025 NC History Day Teacher of the Year and DNCR Teacher Ambassador
As educators, one of our greatest rewards is watching our students grow academically, discover their passions, and make connections that will shape their futures. North Carolina History Day, an affiliate of the National History Day® (NHD) program and operated by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), fosters these qualities in students while also providing teachers with an enriching and rewarding experience. With seven years of personal experience in guiding students through NHD projects in both South Carolina and North Carolina, I can confidently say that participating in this program has profound benefits for both students and teachers alike.
Engaging Students in History
NHD offers students a chance to engage with history in an interactive and dynamic way. Rather than simply memorizing dates and facts, they explore topics that spark their curiosity, choosing subjects that resonate with them and taking ownership of their learning. This hands-on approach helps students develop crucial research and critical thinking skills as they sift through primary and secondary sources, evaluate credibility, and synthesize findings into a coherent narrative. These skills are transferable across subjects and valuable for future academic and professional success.
Developing Life Skills
While NHD is rooted in history, the skills students develop extend far beyond historical knowledge. Participation builds public speaking, teamwork, time management, and perseverance. Students present their research through a paper, website, exhibit, documentary, or performance, giving them the chance to hone communication skills and gain confidence in sharing their ideas.
Additionally, working on a National History Day project teaches students how to handle challenges and setbacks. Research doesn’t always go as planned, and projects can hit obstacles—but the program encourages resilience as students learn to adapt, overcome challenges, and produce high-quality work. Adaptability, persistence, and problem-solving are life skills that serve students well both in and outside the classroom.
Professional Development for Educators
As educators, National History Day also offers opportunities for professional growth. Each year, I learn something new from students as they dive deep into their topics and conduct authentic research. Their unique perspectives and discoveries deepen my own understanding of history and its impact on society. NHD encourages students to think critically—and in turn, challenges teachers to do the same.
The program’s collaborative nature fosters a professional learning community where teachers can share ideas, resources, and strategies, whether through regional workshops or district-level collaboration. NHD also promotes interdisciplinary learning. Though rooted in history, it incorporates skills from English, art, and technology, making it a versatile tool for educators across subjects. For example, English teachers can support writing workshops, while art teachers might help with exhibits, enriching the experience for both students and teachers.
Fostering a Sense of Achievement
For both students and educators, NHD is a profoundly rewarding experience. As students progress from regional to national competitions, they gain a strong sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. Watching a student present their project and seeing their passion for history come to life is one of the most fulfilling aspects of teaching.
For educators, the true reward lies in watching students grow, as scholars and as individuals. NHD fosters a shared sense of achievement, as students gain confidence in their abilities and teachers experience the fulfillment of seeing them excel.
Conclusion
National History Day in North Carolina is a transformative program for both students and educators. For students, it offers an engaging, immersive way to explore history, build essential life skills, and ignite a passion for research and discovery. For educators, it serves as a powerful professional development tool—fostering collaboration, innovation, and a deeper connection to the subject matter.
Guiding students through the National History Day process has been one of the most rewarding parts of my teaching career. Each year, I walk away having learned something new, whether it’s a unique piece of history my students uncover or a new teaching method that helps them thrive. I encourage all educators to consider incorporating NHD into their curriculum. Hopefully, I’ll see you at the NC History Day state competition!
North Carolina History Day, an affiliate of the National History Day® program, has been operated by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for almost 30 years. In 2025 the program served 5,319 students and 109 teachers in 41 counties. For more information, visit National History Day in North Carolina | NC DNCR.