Jonathan Browher: 2025 NH State History Teacher of the Year

By Kara McDuffee

“I want to teach my students to learn how to create their own meaning.”

This is what history faculty Jonathan Browher cites as the driving force behind his 14-year teaching tenure at Brewster. It’s also what helped earn him the title of New Hampshire’s 2025 State History Teacher of the Year, awarded by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History (an honor that feels especially meaningful given his roots in the Granite State). The annual recognition program, presented by the nation’s leading nonprofit for K-12 American history education, celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state for their dedication, creativity, and effective use of primary sources. These teachers each received a $1,000 prize.

Browher didn’t always see himself as a teacher. Early in college, he thought journalism might be his path, but a series of history courses changed his trajectory. “I realized it wasn’t just about learning facts,” he recalls. “It’s about learning how to experience history as an apprentice learns a trade, and to learn how to dive into and make sense of primary sources.” A women’s history course at Bates College taught by a professor connected to the Gilder Lehrman Institute left a lasting impression, sparking a deep respect for the organization that would one day honor him.

In his classroom today, Browher works to recreate that same spark for his students. Lessons move beyond rote memorization to hands-on historical inquiry. Students might interpret primary sources by literally taking sides in the room, or deliberate on complex, unsolved dilemmas such as the future of healthcare or questions of governance. “I try to make history generative,” he says. “Students should walk away not just knowing what happened, but able to make sense of it for themselves.”

This teaching style can be fun, but it certainly isn’t always easy. Browher’s courses are known for their rigor, especially his AP U.S. History. But in line with Brewster’s mission, rigor doesn’t mean rigidity. Browher is always differentiating his curriculum, both engaging his students and tapping into their unique skill sets and perspectives. The results can be transformative.

Brewster alumna Maura McDonald ’18 is proof of this. She recounts that she felt uncertain to join Browher’s AP U.S. History class, given her learning differences and challenges with traditional testing. “Mr. Browher went out of his way to ensure I was supported and could succeed,” she remembers, recounting that he allowed oral exams and measured her knowledge of the subject, not just her ability to write it down on paper. “He met me where I was and allowed me the space to grow.”

That growth was substantial. “He inspired me to work harder than I ever had,” Maura said. “I credit much of my success in adult life to the confidence his class gave me.” An Environmental Studies and Parks, Recreation, and Tourism major from the University of Vermont, Maura now works as an Account Executive for a national educational tours company.

It should be no surprise that Browher also models growth as a teacher. He’s continually evolving his teaching through conferences, professional development, and collaboration. He borrows from research-based practices like Harvard’s Project Zero and the Case Method Institute, finding ways to make learning active and collaborative. “When you see what your students can contribute, you’re constantly wondering, ‘How will they respond to this? What if I tried this?’” he said. “It creates this positive feedback loop that makes you want to keep finding new ways to teach.”

He credits part of his professional growth to the opportunities and flexibility he’s had as a teacher at Brewster, but he also emphasizes that it’s curiosity—his own and his students’—that keeps him motivated.

Not surprisingly, Browher’s love of learning doesn’t stop with students. He’s also inspired by working with colleagues and academic leaders at Brewster, which is part of the reason he earned Brewster’s prestigious Arthur Morris Kenison Career Growth Award in 2018. Whether it’s leading a Professional Learning Community on visible thinking routines, presenting on how to foster student-led discussions, starting a summer book club, or regularly facilitating department meetings where members of the History Department practice tools to expand their teaching, he’s known for his love of professional sharing. Beyond Brewster, he’s presented at annual conferences for NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and NCSS (National Council for the Social Studies).

Browher leads with passion and community outside of teaching, too. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Wolfeboro Area Children’s Center, as well as the Castle Preservation Society for Castle in the Clouds in Moultonboro. Chairing the educational committee for this National Historic Landmark and hiking trail system seems fitting, as it combines everything Browher loves: history, education, and the outdoors. At Brewster, he also serves as the Outdoor Skills Coordinator and leads all outdoor climbing and activities programs.

It’s clear that Browher feels purpose in building opportunities for students and teachers alike.  This is part of the reason earning New Hampshire History Teacher of the Year was such an honor. “The Gilder Lehrman Institute does so much for teachers, so being recognized by them means a lot to me.”

Still, he is already thinking ahead. He talks about continuing to explore how historical study can prepare young people for a world full of conflicting narratives and constant information. “Thinking is more important than ever,” he says. “If students can question, evaluate, and make meaning for themselves, they’ll be ready for whatever comes next.”