The Bill of Rights Institute, a national nonprofit that works to advance civics and history education, today announced that Ostruzka is one of just 10 finalists for the award, which comes with a $5,000 top prize.
This year’s finalists represent 10 different states and every region of the country. Ostruzka was selected after a nationwide search that encouraged educators, students, parents, and community members to submit outstanding civics teachers for consideration. All nominees submitted essays highlighting the role of civics educators in helping students live the ideals of a free and just society.
The National Civics Teacher of the Year Award finalists include:
- Shari Conditt, Woodland High School, Woodland, WA
- Michele Giacobbi, Blackman High School, Murfreesboro, TN
- Kimberly Huffman, Wayne County Schools Career Center, Smithville, OH
- Frances Hunter-Imbert, General Ray Davis Middle School, Stockbridge, GA
- Carl Nelson, Walden Grove High School, Sahuarita, AZ
- Megan Ostruzka, Greenwich High School, Greenwich, CT
- LauraRojas-Gotay, Discovery Intermediate School, Kissimmee, FL
- Marc Sirico, Pelham Memorial High School, Pelham, NY
- Tyler Trimberger, Wayzata High School, Plymouth, MN
- Christen Wilson, Conway High School, Conway, MO
Megan Ostruzka was nominated for a Distinguished Teacher Award in Greenwich by Jerry Sacramento a GHS senior. May 7, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager[/caption]
All finalists have earned a $1,000 prize. The National Civics Teacher of the Year Award, which comes with a $5,000 top prize, will be announced during the Bill of Rights Institute’s Constitution Day Live program on September 17.
SmartPass is joining the Bill of Rights Institute to help sponsor this year’s awards. SmartPass is a leading provider of digital hall pass technology used by thousands of schools nationwide.
Bill of Rights Institute President and CEO David Bobb said he hopes the National Civics Teacher of the Year Award inspires conversation about the important role civics teachers like Ostruzka play in educating our children.
“Civic education offers students the opportunity to learn America’s founding principles, understand our nation’s story, and develop the skills they need for a lifetime of citizenship,” Mr. Bobb said. “Civics teachers are essential to the future of our communities and our nation, and we are honored to give them the support and recognition they deserve.”
The Bill of Rights Institute is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that teaches civics and history through market-leading curricula and educational programs for teachers and students. To learn more about Bill of Rights Institute programs and resources, visit www.mybri.org.
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