Sponsored by the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies and SocialStudies.com
The Civil Rights/Civil Liberties: Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes and honors the
accomplishments of a Wisconsin social studies educator in the area of Civil Rights/Civil
Liberties.
Nominees inspire students to be fully informed about their Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties assured by the Constitution. This teacher is someone who inspires students to take informed action when they see injustices and to be a responsible contributing member of our democracy. This award serves to honor a person who is striving to continue their work advancing civil rights and civil liberties. The recipient will be recognized at the annual Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies Conference.
Award
$200 cash award from SocialStudies.com
Recognition and plaque by WCSS at the Awards ceremony during the conference.
Criteria
The educator has made a significant effort to teach the concept of justice in a
creative, inspiring way. This might include, but not be limited to, teaching about
civil liberties, human rights, international justice, the Holocaust, genocide studies,
and local issues of justice.
For example, nominees may design a special lesson, course of study, create a
school or district project, or lead their students in some way to promote civil
rights or civil liberties.
Close attention will be focused on applicants who possess the ability to expose
injustice while at the same time inspire their students to repair the world through
justice, service, or advocacy
The award winner will be asked to receive the award in person. The
presentation will take place during the luncheon at the annual Wisconsin Council
for the Social Studies Conference.
Eligibility-Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience
-If an elementary teacher, the applicant must be currently teaching Social Studies
-If a secondary teacher, the applicant must teach Social Studies for the majority of the day
-Will continue to teach a minimum of one year after receiving the award
-Be employed in good standing by a school district or private school located in Wisconsin
Nomination Materials:-Anyone may nominate an applicant, including self-nominations.
-At least one letter supporting the nomination must be submitted. (For self-nominations, there must be an accompanying letter of recommendation from another source).
-Brief bio of nominee
-It should be noted that the award is not designated as a “lifetime achievement award,” but one that recognizes great teaching by any nominee with a minimum of three years’ experience.
-Nomination Materials due by February 1
-Winner will be notified in early February
Questions, email Kaela Swanson at kaelaswanson@wcsswi.org
