kristy braswell

PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- Joe T. Robinson High School history teacher, Kristy Brasfield, has been named the 2021 Arkansas History Teacher of the Year by the Glider Lehman Institution of American History. 

Brasfield teaches U.S. History and English IV at Joe T. Robinson High School and previously taught AP and Pre-AP History in the Blytheville School District for eight years. She currently serves on the Arkansas Council for the Social Studies Board, the Rho Kappa Advisory Council, and the National Constitution Center's Teacher Advisory Council.

“I am so grateful to be selected as the Gilder Lehrman Arkansas History Teacher of the Year,” said Brasfield. “I am a strong advocate for social studies education, especially in today's society, and work hard to share this passion with my students and school community. I'm thrilled to be chosen for this award as it validates my work and celebrates something I love to do every day - teaching history and civic engagement to young minds.”

Brasfield previously was named the 2019 Arkansas Council for the Social Studies 9-12 Teacher of the Year and the 2016 Rotary Educator of the Year. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education in Social Science, a Master of Science in Education Theory and Practice, and an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Director from Arkansas State University at Jonesboro. She is currently writing her dissertation for a Doctorate in Education from ASU.

The institute, which provides educational programs and resources that focus on the knowledge and understanding of American history, recognizes one K-12 teacher from each state.