Teaching Excellence Award

An annual honor given to college and K-12 educators who do an exceptional job engaging students in the story of America through primary documents, new courses, and/or extracurricular activities.

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas:

• Teaching America's founding principles and history
• Civic education
• Engaging students with primary documents
• Development of new courses in American history and civics
• Extracurricular activities promoting civic learning

Award Categories:

• Senior Scholar (higher education) - annual award
• Junior Scholar (higher education) - annual award
• K-12 Educator (primary and secondary) - annual award
• Honorable mentions also recognized

Eligibility:

• College and university professors
• K-12 teachers (middle school, high school, elementary)
• Must be engaged in teaching America's founding principles and history

Selection Process:

• Student nominations
• Field evaluations
• In-depth reports from nominees themselves
• Rigorous evaluation process to identify best civic educators in America

Background: Now in its fourth annual iteration as of 2024. The award recognizes educators dedicated to teaching America's founding principles and history, reflecting founder Jack Miller's belief that "the battle for the soul of our country will be won or lost in our classrooms."

Application Process

Selection Method:

• Student nominations accepted
• Field evaluations conducted
• In-depth self-reports from nominees required

Required Materials:

• Detailed report from nominee demonstrating exceptional teaching and student engagement
• Evidence of innovative approaches to civic education
• Documentation of impact on students

Note: Specific application deadlines and submission procedures not detailed in available materials. Contact Jack Miller Center directly for current application information.