WCSS DISTINGUISHED TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Do you know an outstanding social studies teacher who deserves recognition?  
The Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies (WCSS) honors three Distinguished Teachers of the Year (elementary, middle, and high school) at the WCSS Conference.  Please consider nominating a worthy social studies teacher. ​You are encouraged to nominate one candidate for each of the three categories: elementary, middle, and high school.

NOMINATION FORM

Nominations for the 2027 Teacher of the Year Awards will open in October! The application deadline is TBD.

WCSS Distinguished Teacher of the Year Nomination form.    CLICK HERE.

The nominee will be contacted and encouraged to complete the WCSS Distinguished Teacher of the Year application form.  Nominees will not be considered without completing all sections of the application.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Teacher must be a full-time teacher teaching K-12 social studies.
• Teacher must be recognized by colleagues as an excellent social studies teacher.
• Teacher must utilize social studies strategies that foster inquiry and the development of social studies.
• Teacher must have an ongoing interest in improving his/her knowledge and skills in social studies instruction.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• One to three letters of support provided by colleagues, administrators, parents, and/or students
  • The nominator is encouraged to write one of the letters of recommendation.  However, it is not a requirement that the nominator write a letter.
• Resume written by the nominee
  • The resume should include the following information:
    • Name, home address, and home phone number
    • School, school address, school phone number, and e-mail address
    • Teaching assignment and grade level
    • List professional duties and accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and innovations in social studies curriculum
• Professional Belief Statement written by the nominee (300 words or less)
  • Philosophy of teaching
  • Importance on teaching social studies and its impact on students

​Completed applications – letter(s) of support, resume, and professional belief statement, and short bio – must be received by TBD.

All applications must be submitted electronically, all portions of the application should be combined in PDF format and sent to [email protected]

​Winners will be notified early in January/February 2027.

PAST DISTINGUISHED TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS

Past recipients' biographies are available ​here.