Local instructor named state history teacher of the year
Robbinsville High School is determined to help students reach maturity – and with teachers like Lisa Keener, they are succeeding.
Keener was recently named as the 2023 North Carolina History Day Teacher of the Year, for the high school division. She teaches American History and Economics at Robbinsville High.
Born and raised in Graham County, Keener is a graduate of Robbinsville High School. She received an associates degree from Tri-County Community College, then attended Western Carolina University to complete her bachelor’s in education. She is currently working on her masters at La Salle University. Keener has been an educator for over 18 years. She was selected for the award based on her dedication to the History Day program, and the work she does to promote the discovery of history and the research methods required by her students.
The National History Day Contest’s core program is the competition. Students in both middle and high school choose topics and complete extensive research on their selections. Each year, students from all over the country participate in the National History Day Contest. They conduct in-depth research and present their conclusions of evidence with papers, exhibitions, performances, documentaries or web sites. Through the process, students develop communications skills, project management and historical thinking.
Keener is the sponsor for the History Club at Robbinsville High. Members of the History Club enter the contest each year. Students choose their own projects.
“Our school always does a great job in the History Day Competition. We are always well-represented, and they all do a great job,” Keener explained.
The competition is held virtually each year through UNC-Asheville. Students that win the regional competition will be invited to compete at the state level. Teachers who guide students through the process – by demonstrating a commitment to engage students in historical thinking, with innovative sources and implementing active learning strategies – may be nominated for the National History Day Teacher of the Year Award.