Wilbur Cross Educator Named Gilder Lehrman Institute Connecticut History Teacher of the Year

From New Haven Public Schools:

NEW HAVEN, CT — Brian Grindrod, a teacher at Wilbur L. Cross High School in New Haven, has been named the 2026 Connecticut 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.

About educator Grindrod

Brian Grindrod is a 20-year veteran social studies educator at Wilbur L. Cross High School in New Haven. He was recently named the 2026 Connecticut History Teacher of the Year, an award sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and was the recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Social Studies Award (9-12) from the Connecticut Council for Social Studies. Grindrod champions engaged civics education through project-based learning, primary source inquiry, and constitutional debate. His impact extends nationally through his work as a mentor for the Center for Civic Education’s flagship programs (We the People and Project Citizen) and as a 2026–2027 National Constitution Center Fellow on Civic Virtue.

“Brian Grindrod's selection as Connecticut History Teacher of the Year is a moment of immense pride for New Haven Public Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón. “He is a leader whose commitment to transformative, project-based instruction empowers students to engage directly with the mechanics of democracy. From advocating for 'We the People' to being named a Civic Virtue Fellow, his impact on civic education is undeniable. We celebrate his well-deserved recognition and are fortunate to have his leadership within the district.”

As the 2026 CONNECTICUT History Teacher of the Year, GRINDROD 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.

About The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. The Institute’s mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. Drawing on the 86,000 documents in the Gilder Lehrman Collection and an extensive network of eminent historians, the Institute provides teachers, students, and the general public with access to unique primary source materials.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, the Council of Independent Colleges, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Learn more at gilderlehrman.org.