2023 award nominations

The prestigious Stan Harris Citizen's Award is presented to groups or individuals within Indiana who have exhibited a strong commitment and dedication to furthering social studies principles. This award seeks to acknowledge the relentless efforts of those who passionately engage their communities, whether locally, regionally, or throughout the State of Indiana, to promote the understanding and application of these principles.

Nominees for this accolade are evaluated on a comprehensive set of criteria, which includes:

• Scope of Service: The nominee's service should primarily focus on advancing social studies principles within a local community, a specific region, or the entirety of Indiana. The breadth of principles championed by the nominee can span traditional values to contemporary societal concerns.

• Tangible Impact: There needs to be clear and measurable evidence indicating that the nominee's service endeavors have made a significant impact. This could be in the form of community improvement, transformative changes, or heightened awareness and education about social studies principles in the respective community, region, or state.

• Quality of Service: The service provided by the nominee should not only be impactful but also exemplify excellence. It should stand out for its dedication, commitment, innovation, and the inherent value it brings to the community or region.

• Consistency: A pivotal criterion is the demonstration of consistent and unwavering service in the promotion of social studies principles. The nominee should have a track record of continually championing these principles, showing dedication over time rather than in isolated instances.

The Stan Harris Citizen's Award is not just an acknowledgment but a celebration of those who tirelessly work to ensure that the essence of social studies principles is woven into the fabric of Indiana's communities.

Norminations are Due: November 1st

Every year, the Indiana Council for the Social Studies celebrates the unparalleled dedication of educators who have shaped minds, touched hearts, and kindled a passion for social studies. The Distinguished Teacher Award, presented at the State conference, stands as a testament to educators whose teaching practices have consistently reflected excellence, be it in elementary or secondary social studies classrooms.

This esteemed accolade will be conferred upon two deserving educators. Each recipient will not only be publicly acknowledged for their outstanding contributions but will also receive a commemorative plaque, a grant of $100, and complimentary registration to the conference. This award serves as a beacon of gratitude, recognizing the myriad educators who play a pivotal role in shaping the futures of Indiana’s young minds.

Application for the Distinguished Teacher Award
DEADLINE: November 1st

Eligibility and Application Requirements:

1. Teaching Status: The nominee should be actively teaching as a full-time educator in Indiana.
2. Membership: The nominee must be a proud member of the Indiana Council for the Social Studies.
3. Licensure: It's essential for the nominee to possess a current teaching license and actively be teaching within their licensed area.
4. Reflective Statement: A narrative, not exceeding 250 words, where the nominee introspects and shares insights from their teaching journey, encapsulating their experiences, challenges, triumphs, and philosophy.
5. Recommendation Letters: The application should be supplemented with letters of recommendation. These can be penned by colleagues, educational supervisors, parents, or even students who've been directly influenced by the nominee's teaching prowess.

We urge everyone – peers, parents, supervisors, and students – to seize this opportunity. Nominate a teacher who, in your eyes, has gone above and beyond, and let's together celebrate the phenomenal individuals who sculpt Indiana's educational landscape.