Congratulations to BASIS Washington, D.C. History Teacher Kyra Zemanick for being named the 2025 State History Teacher of the Year for the District of Columbia!
The award, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in partnership with the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board (DC PCSB) and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), honors outstanding K–12 educators who inspire a deep understanding and appreciation of American history. Winners are selected by committees of educators, historians, and former honorees.
On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Antoinette S. Mitchell, Ph.D., State Superintendent of Education at OSSE, joined representatives from DC PCSB at BASIS Washington, D.C. to present Zemanick with her award. Students, staff, and school leadership were all in attendance as Zemanick accepted this honor.
Zemanick joined BASIS Washington, D.C. in 2022 as a middle school world history teacher. She now teaches AP European History and AP U.S. History.
Seeing her students’ enthusiasm for historical studies, Zemanick created an interdisciplinary elective at BASIS DC focused on the World Wars, blending history with literature and art. Since Zemanick began teaching AP U.S. History, the school’s average AP exam scores have increased by 18.5 percentage points, and her students have achieved a 100% pass rate for the past two years.
This school year, Zemanick started a new role as the school’s History Department Chair, sharing her leadership and expertise with other BASIS DC teachers.
“To teach is to light a spark, and Ms. Zemanick does so day after day, inspiring curiosity, courage, and growth in every student,” said Head of School Calvery Cooper. “Her award as Teacher of the Year is as well deserved as it is celebrated. It is a testament to her commitment and unwavering belief in what education can do. Congratulations, Ms. Zemanick, we are proud of you.”
As a state winner for the National History Teacher of the Year award, Zemanick received a $1,000 prize. Zemanick’s recognition highlights the caliber of teaching at BASIS Washington, D.C., where educators are deeply committed to academic excellence, innovation, and student growth.
To learn more about BASIS Washington, D.C. and our tuition-free academic program for grades 5–12, visit our school page. We invite all prospective families to join us for an upcoming school tour or shadow day, where you can experience our vibrant community firsthand. RSVP today for an upcoming event!
