Affton High School social studies teacher Brian Esselman was recently nationally recognized, having been named the 2025 Missouri History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
This prestigious honor recognizes one history teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and U.S. territories yearly. By state, a committee of history teachers, professors and other education professionals review the nominated teachers before choosing the winner. Esselman was nominated for the renowned award by Lisa Lillie, a dual credit history coordinator and educational partner through the St. Louis University 1818 Program, in part due to the development of Affton’s new course, “Sea Scoundrels: A Global History of Piracy.”
“Dr. Esselman’s recognition as Missouri History Teacher of the Year is a testament to his passion for helping students think critically, engage with history from multiple perspectives and connect the past to the present,” Affton School District Superintendent Travis Bracht said. “His work reflects the very best of Affton — curiosity, collaboration and a commitment to student success. We are incredibly proud to have him on our team.”…