THE CIVIL RIGHTS/CIVIL LIBERTIES EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

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.

NOMINATION FORM

Nominations for The Civil Rights/ Civil Liberties Excellence in teaching award will open in October! The application deadline is TBD.

The Civil Rights/Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award Nomination Form.
CLICK HERE.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

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 and give a short acceptance speech of 2-3 minutes on what the award means to them. The presentation will take place during the luncheon at the annual Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies Conference.

​Eligibility

• Minimum of 3 years 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

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 3 years 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

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).
• 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

Please contact Kaela Swanson at [email protected] with any questions. 
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The winner will be notified early in January/February 2027. 

PAST CIVIL RIGHTS/CIVIL LIBERTIES EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING RECIPIENTS

Past recipients' biographies are available here.