Carlin Fleming-Smock, a teacher at Carmi-White County High School in Carmi, has been named the 2026 Illinois 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.
Carlin Fleming-Smock has been a high school history teacher for 16 years and currently teaches in her hometown of Carmi, Illinois. Along with her teaching duties, Carlin is an assistant golf coach and has a high school history club, the CWC Historians. Outside of the classroom, Carlin is the secretary for the White County Historical Society, as well as an advisory board member for the Illinois State Historical Society. Carlin was named the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Fellows’ Fellow in 2024, and she recently received the Carmi Chamber of Commerce 2025 Young Professional of the Year award.
“It is an honor to be selected for this award. Gilder Lehrman does amazing work for history teachers all over the country, so to be recognized by their organization on behalf of the State of
Illinois is a true privilege!”
As the 2026 Illinois History Teacher of the Year, Smock 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.