How Texas Teachers Are Shaping the Next Generation of Critical Thinkers
Welcome to week two of the Texas State Historical Association’s summer educator spotlight! All summer long, we are highlighting the incredible teachers across the state who help students deeply engage with Texas history through participation in our TSHA education programs.
TSHA is proud to be the Texas host for National History Day. Texas History Day (THD) is a one-of-a-kind program where students across Texas dive into year-long research projects. With the help of their teacher, they choose a topic, analyze primary sources and build critical thinking skills. Students then showcase their historical arguments through papers, websites, documentaries, dramatic performances, and physical exhibits at the local and regional levels in hopes of advancing to the state competition in Austin.
Teachers who participate in Texas History Day go above and beyond, investing extra time to educate and prepare their students for the contest. Without our dedicated and passionate teachers, thousands of Texas students would miss out on the valuable Texas History Day experience.
We are proud to highlight R. Rodrigo Garcia, an educator who has masterfully utilized Texas History Day to inspire his students.
Teaching in Brownsville—one of the most historically significant cities in Texas—Rodrigo has successfully guided numerous students to the prestigious National History Day competition. He has also been named 2024-2025 Secondary BISD Teacher of the Year!
R. Rodrigo Garcia
“TSHA established the crown jewel of our district’s Social Studies program: Texas History Day. For three decades, students competed across diverse categories—composing historical papers, integrating technology through websites & documentaries, commanding the stage in performances, and curating compelling exhibits. Students sharpen research acumen, interpret primary and secondary sources, and refine persuasive argumentation—skills transcending the classroom and ever-enduring.”
“Never has history felt more relevant than through the Texas History Day experience.”
-R. Rodrigo Garcia
When you support teachers like R. Rodrigo Garcia, we help preserve Texas history for generations to come. Your support helps TSHA provide more classroom resources, student opportunities, teacher support, and access to trustworthy Texas history across the state. Follow along each week as we continue highlighting Texas teachers throughout the summer and into the start of the school year.
Help us reach more classrooms like
R. Rodrigo Garcia’s.
You can make an impact on students across the state by donating today. Every dollar helps us spread Texas history resources across communities for the next generation.
