History isn't always the most exciting subject for elementary schoolers.

But in Cindy Meyer's class at Northwest Expedition Academy, students slip into the costumes and personas of the past to see through the eyes of America's historical figures, breathing life into the people, events and stories of bygone days.

“Last fall, we witnessed her creative teaching style firsthand during the Northwest Expedition Academy’s open house,” Daughters of the American Region Lt. George Farragut Chapter Regent Kathy Swanson said Friday. “As descendants of Revolutionary War patriots, watching her students bring colonial history to life in a living wax museum was both inspiring and deeply moving.”

It is this creative, immersive and thoughtful approach to American history, accompanied by dedication to fostering patriotism and unwavering commitment to her students, that have earned Meyer the DAR Lt. George Farragut Chapter's 2026 Outstanding American History Teacher Award.

Swanson said history is a living, breathing subject for Meyer, whether exploring the nuances of America's founding documents or relating historical turning points to modern life. Her classroom is a place of high expectations and even higher engagement. She is a cornerstone at NExA, Swanson said.

"We are proud to recognize Cindy Meyer for her outstanding contribution to American history and education," Swanson said.

The presentation took place in front of a classroom filled with wildly cheering students, who unanimously agreed that Meyer knows how to keep the history lessons entertaining and informative.

"I've always been a history geek," Meyer said. "I think it's important to know where we came from so that we don't lose sight of where we're going. It's just fun for me, it's so much fun, whether it's the Revolutionary War or the Civil War. It's important for kids to know what happened before they got here so they are better citizens and well-informed citizens."

Her grandson, fifth grader Eli Meyer, is usually in the class next door but popped over to celebrate his grandmother's accomplishment.

"It's not like I haven't seen her in here being a great teacher before," he said. "She teaches really good, and I was pretty sure she was going to win this award."

NExA Principal Jennifer Peak said Meyer is dedicated to teaching American history and dedicated to helping students grow and understand about the Revolution and historical figures.

"She's just amazing," Peak said.

Meyer has been an educator for 23 years, starting as a middle school teacher in San Bernadino in 2003. She was in that role for six years, during which she built a strong foundation in curriculum design, historical inquiry and cross-disciplinary instruction while working to truly connect her students with the past. In 2006, she was named a finalist for the Duncan Webb Character Education Award sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Bernadino.

She served as an instructional coach for nine years after six years in the classroom, then returned to teaching in 2021 after moving to North Idaho.

"Teaching at the elementary level has deepened my appreciation for foundational skill development and the importance of building curiosity, confidence and academic ownership in young learners," Cindy said in an autobiographical statement that accompanied her award documents.

She said sharing her enthusiasm for American history with her students has been a highlight of her return to the classroom.

"It's deeply important to me that as Americans we understand the contributions and sacrifices of the colonists and those who fought for American independence," Meyer said. "It's something I believe we take for granted 250 years later, and I welcome the chance and challenge to bring history to life for my students with the hope of sparking a lifelong desire to learn more about what it took to make the dream of America a reality."

    Northwest Expedition Academy fifth graders gather around their teacher, Cindy Meyer, after she is presented Friday afternoon with an Outstanding American History Teacher Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution.