Every summer, the National History Academy hires teachers from across the country to join the team as Teaching Fellows. These educators bring their unique expertise and passion for history to the program, helping to create an immersive learning experience for our students. With their support, students engage with historical content in dynamic and impactful ways, fostering a deep understanding of America’s past while inspiring them to think critically about how they can shape a better future.
Jamilex Forty Casanova
Teaching Fellow
Jamilex Forty Casanova teaches 9th-grade World History at Girls Global Academy in Washington, D.C. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of the District of Columbia and a Master’s degree in Education from Trinity Washington University. With a strong foundation in literacy and a deep passion for historical inquiry, Ms. Forty Casanova uses storytelling, discussion, collaborative and student-led projects to help learners connect the past to their own lived experiences.
As a military dependent who has lived in the District of Columbia and Maryland area for over 20 years, Ms. Forty Casanova brings a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives into her classroom. Her love of history was sparked at an early age, watching the History Channel, Food Network, and Anthony Bourdain where she became fascinated by how people, traditions, and societies have evolved over time.
Ms. Forty Casanova is committed to building inclusive, student-centered learning environments that support both academic growth and personal reflection. Outside of her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Forty Casanova is a voracious reader, traveler, and a homecook.
Ronald Lipscomb
Teaching Fellow
Ronald (Ron) Lipscomb is a 5th-grade social studies teacher at Carolina Friends School in Durham, North Carolina. Coming up on his 7th year of teaching, Mr. Lipscomb has previously taught as a K-5 music teacher and an 8th-grade US History Teacher in Halifax County Public Schools in Halifax, Virginia. Although he is serving as a Teaching Fellow this year, Mr. Lipscomb served as a Teaching Assistant for the National History Academy in 2018. Mr. Lipscomb holds a Bachelor of Arts in African American & African Studies from the University of Virginia and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Liberty University. Wherever Mr. Lipscomb is teaching, he always makes sure to connect his students to historical information in some way.
When Mr. Lipscomb is not teaching, you will find him engaged in the arts! In Halifax, VA, he was a vocalist in a band and volunteer actor who served in different acting roles such as: “Ezell Blair Jr.” in The Four Freshmen, “Sebastian the Crab” in The Little Mermaid, the “Tin Man” in The Wizard of Oz, and a “Drifter” in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Mr. Lipscomb hopes to combine his love for history and the arts both in the classroom and the community. He believes that the arts are crucial for us to draw connections between ourselves and the history we have left behind.
Michael Kates
Teaching Fellow
Michael Kates teaches 8th-grade United States History at Robinson Middle School in Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in History from the University of Northern Iowa and is pursuing a Master of Science in Education Administration. With eight years of teaching experience, Mr. Kates has taught various subjects in History. He is involved in multiple district leadership teams, including the Equity Council, Curriculum and Assessment Team, and the Minority Leadership Academy. He also serves as a Field Educator with the Kansas Department of Education, providing professional learning to teachers statewide.
Outside of his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Kates is active in the community, serving on the Boards of KTWU and the Spencer Museum of Art. Additionally, Mr. Kates is the Lead Historian and Curator of the Black American Blueprint Collective. As a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and teacher, he believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to ensuring that all students see themselves represented in the curriculum.
Mr. Kates has been recognized for his commitment to education, earning nominations for the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s National History Teacher of the Year Award in 2021, 2024 and 2025. This year, he received the Spirit of Brown Award for his dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and he is the Topeka Public Schools Secondary Nominee for Kansas Teacher of the Year. Mr. Kates is married to Suzanne Kates, a TPS Rovering Nurse, and is the father of Michael Kates Jr., a freshman at the University of Kansas.