While history has always been a staple subject in American classrooms, it’s not always easy for teachers to get students excited about studying the past. But North Providence High School educator Tina O’Brien has developed an approach to teaching history that she says encourages her students to become lifelong learners. Her efforts were recognized last month by the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History, which named O’Brien the 2025 Rhode Island History Teacher of the Year .

She talked with Morning Host Luis Hernandez about her teaching philosophy, her love for history, and the importance of relating the past to the present.

Interview highlights

On how to make history interesting to students

Tina O’Brien: So listen, this might be non-traditional, but dates are not necessarily

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