The Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes and honors a Virginia social studies educator who is striving to advance civil rights and civil liberties. Nominees inspire students to be fully informed about their civil rights and civil liberties assured by the Constitution. They empower students to take informed action in response to injustices and to be responsible contributing members of our democracy. The recipient of this year's award will be honored at the VCSS conference. 

Award
$250 stipend from Social Studies School Service, recognition at the Virginia Conference for Social Studies annual conference, AND a featured presentation at the following conference!

Eligibility

• Have you been teaching a minimum of three years?
• Are you employed in good standing by a school district or private school located in Virginia?
• Do you currently teach social studies?
• Do you plan to continue teaching a minimum of one year after receiving this award?
• If you answered "Yes!" to all four questions, you are eligible!

Criteria
The educator has made a significant effort to teach the concept of justice in creative, inspiring ways. This might include, but is not limited to teaching about civil liberties, human rights, international justice, the Holocaust, genocide studies, and local issues of justice. Examples may include a special lesson, course of study, or school or district project that exposes injustice and inspires students to positively impact the world through service or advocacy. This award is not designed as a “lifetime achievement award," but one that recognizes any educator's inspiring methods.