The American Civic Education Teacher Awards (ACETA) is an annual program that recognizes exemplary representatives of the teaching profession. The program selects and honors elementary and secondary school teachers working with classes representing the diversity of America’s public and private schools. The award recognizes teachers who will be remembered with admiration and respect by their students for contributing to their education. The Center for Civic Education, the Center on Representative Government at Indiana University, and the National Education Association sponsor this program.

You have been asked to complete this recommendation to support this individual’s application to ACETA. The selection committee does not have any particular model of teacher in mind but will select teachers with different styles, methods, backgrounds, and students. As part of the selection process, the selection committee will read your assessment of the applicant’s accomplishments as a teacher, their command of the subject, and their ability to communicate with and inspire students.

You should also provide evidence of the teacher’s contributions to developing civic character in their students. You should describe the extent to which the teacher is held in esteem by colleagues, students, parents, and other members of the school community. Please also comment on how well the teacher would serve in various forums as a spokesperson for the profession.

The selection committee relies on you to be as candid and specific as possible. Your prompt completion of this form is requested. We cannot consider the applicant for selection without your authorization and recommendation. Your letter will become part of the teacher’s confidential file, intended only for use in ACETA’s selection process.

If you have any issues or questions, please contact aceta@civiced.org.