A lifelong love of history handed down from her father, combined with a dream that began as a first grader, has earned Grayson County High School social studies teacher Melinda Baum honors from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as Kentucky’s Outstanding Teacher of American History.
Her entry now moves to the national level.
The state round is a multilevel competition that begins with nomination by the local DAR Chapter. That nomination focuses on patriotism, student commitment, and connecting the past to the present.
Once at State, both DAR and non-DAR judges consider entries based on professional and personal recommendations, along with an extensive autobiographical summary. That career and personal overview includes teaching philosophy and accomplishments, other history-related professional activities, and special commendations or awards received.
In addition to her father, Baum also credits her third-grade teacher, Rita Gallagher, who “made history come alive for me, and in high school, my U.S. History teacher, Bill Lee, solidified that history was the subject that I needed to spend the rest of my life teaching.”
Baum earned her Bachelor’s in Secondary Education in 2014, with a focus in three content areas: U.S. and World History, Government and Citizenship, and Geography. She began her teaching career at The Academy of Shawnee in Louisville.
She returned to her alma mater, Grayson County High School, in 2018 and calls it “my dream job.” There she has taught first-year students through seniors the subjects of World Civilizations, Holocaust, Economics & Geography, American National Government, Arts & Humanities, and Kentucky Studies (Kentucky and Grayson County history).
She established the school’s Junior Historical Society Club, which is aligned with the Grayson County Historical Society, where she serves as Vice President. She also started a school genealogy club. In addition, she has coached archery for eleven years and founded the school’s Rodeo Team five years ago.
The DAR typically announces the overall Outstanding Teacher award in the spring, with the top three honored at the group’s annual Continental Congress in June. However it goes, Baum says she is “truly honored and humbled” by the recognition.
Reflecting on those who shared and helped grow her love of history both in and outside the classroom, she added, “I know I play a vital role in the enjoyment of history for my students. I want to mimic and exceed the experts who taught me to love our Nation’s full history and to bring it to life in my classroom.”
By Grayson County Schools
