Education

California Teachers to Receive First Meryl Streep Educator Award for Women’s History AP Course

By TOI World Desk

Two high‑school history teachers from California will be honored with the inaugural Meryl Streep Educator Award at the National Women’s History Museum’s 15th annual Women Making History Awards Gala on 6 November 2026 in Chicago. Kristen Kelly and Serene Williams, teachers at Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton, were chosen for their work developing an Advanced Placement U.S. Women’s History course, informally known as WAPUSH. The course has gained written support from 100 colleges and universities across the United States, which will recognize the course with college credit or placement.

The award ceremony is part of the museum’s 2026 event, where Meryl Streep, the honorary chair, created the educator award to recognize teachers who incorporate women’s contributions into everyday high‑school lessons. Other honorees at the gala include civil‑rights pioneer Ruby Bridges, sports executive Laura Ricketts, the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team, business founder Gregg Renfrew, and law firm ArentFox Schiff.

In March 2026, Meryl Streep made a seven‑figure donation to the National Women’s History Museum. The gift will fund digital learning materials for classrooms, teacher training programs, and online exhibitions, expanding the museum’s educational reach nationwide.

President and CEO Frédérique Irwin said the donation and the award will help ensure that every generation has access to the full American story. The gala’s ticket proceeds will also support the museum’s digital educational resources and teacher‑support programs.