Amy Hangman Boehning was recently selected for the first National History Day (NHD) Behring Teacher Fellowship. A social studies teacher at Mililani High School, Boehning earned a BA in secondary education social studies from the College of Education.

“Amy is a former student of mine who also served as a mentor teacher for our secondary social studies program,” said Gail Tamaribuchi, retired STE Secondary Program Chair and Director for the Center for Economic Education. “I knew she was very special and gifted from the questions she asked the very first day of my methods course.”

NHD Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn contacted Boehning personally with the good news. She was the only teacher selected for the inaugural fellowship, which will take place this summer in College Park at the University of Maryland. For two months, Boehning will work behind the scenes at the NHD competition, participating in teacher workshops, creating curriculum and materials, and helping with teacher ambassador training.

Boehning has participated in the NHD program for almost 20 years, having served as a judge at every level and provided historical research workshops. Currently, curriculum she co-created with fellow NHD social studies teachers is used in both public and private schools throughout Hawaiʻi.

“I get to do my dream job, working for a program I absolutely love,” Boehning said. “In reality, I would have done it for free and paid my own way just to have this chance. I am so honored they have chosen me for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.” She also expressed her gratitude to her principal and school for supporting her as well as to her husband, Kevin, who she says is her rock.

As part of the package, NHD will provide Boehning with airfare, her own apartment, transportation, and a stipend of $6750. After the summer, she will continue for another year as a NHD Teacher Ambassador for Hawaiʻi.