The Plano ISD educator was recognized for innovative history instruction and civic engagement

A Plano ISD teacher is being recognized on a national stage for bringing American history to life in the classroom. Ashley Happy, an eighth-grade U.S. history teacher at Haggard Middle School, has been named a recipient of the Teaching America250 Award, presented by the National Constitution Center.

Happy is one of just 51 educators selected nationwide and the only recipient from Texas, highlighting her commitment to student-centered learning and civic education as the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

A National Honor With Local Impact

The Teaching America250 Award recognizes educators who design original projects that encourage students to explore the history, ideals and ongoing relevance of America’s founding. Award recipients receive $5,000 to develop classroom experiences that deepen historical understanding while connecting past events to present-day civic life.

Happy brings more than a decade of teaching experience to the classroom and is also a U.S. Air Force veteran, National Board Certified teacher and member of the National Constitution Center’s Teacher Advisory Council.

Bringing History To Life

As part of her award project, Happy plans to create a “Night at the Museum”-style experience for students. The immersive project will invite students to research influential figures and events tied to the Declaration of Independence and present their work through interactive exhibits featuring artifacts, primary sources and multimedia storytelling.

The experience will culminate in a celebratory event marking the Declaration’s 250th anniversary, encouraging students and families to reflect on the nation’s founding principles and their relevance today.

Honoring Excellence In Education

Teaching America250 award recipients are selected through a competitive national process that evaluates creativity, historical relevance, student engagement and project feasibility. The program is designed to strengthen civic education and historical literacy across the country in the lead-up to America’s semiquincentennial.

With this recognition, Plano Independent School District continues to stand out for innovative teaching and meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

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