National Social Studies Conference
Honors Excellence in Teaching and Research
SILVER SPRING, Md. (Nov. 19, 2024) – National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is pleased to announce its award-winning social studies educators and researchers for 2024, each of whom will be honored later this week by President Jennifer Morgan at the opening ceremony of the 104th NCSS Annual Conference in Boston, MA.
NCSS FASSE Outstanding Teachers of the Year Awards were awarded to educators for demonstrating exceptional ability as a social studies teacher. Kate Van Haren from Pittsville School District in Pittsville, WI received the Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award. Thea Tully from Florence Sawyer School in Bolton, MA, received the Middle Level Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award. Samantha Futrell from St. Michael's Episcopal School in Richmond, VA received the Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award.
Dr. Paul Fitchett from Auburn University, Auburn, AL, Dr. Brett Levy from University at Albany, Albany, NY, and Dr. Jeremy Stoddard from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, received the Exemplary Research in Social Studies Award, for single study research in social studies, “How and Why Teachers Taught About the 2020 U.S. Election: An Analysis of Survey Responses from 12 States”.
Dr. Brittany L. Jones from the University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, received the Larry Metcalf Exemplary Dissertation Award for her research titled, ”Learning from Black Perspectives: A Case for Making Space to Feel Race in High School U.S. History Classrooms”.
Dr. Cinthia Salinas from the University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, received the Jean Dresden Grambs Distinguished Career Research in the Social Studies Award. Dr. Salinas was honored for her extensive, meritorious contributions to the body of knowledge on important issues in social studies education.
Nichole Griffin from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH received the Award for Global Understanding Given in Honor of James M. Becker for her notable contributions in helping social studies students increase their understanding of the world through her work on incorporating local history in social studies.
Matthew Mason from Seminole County Public Schools in Oviedo, FL received the Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award for implementing imaginative, innovative, and illustrative social studies teaching strategies and supporting student implementation of innovative social studies through the creation of the Oviedo High School Personal Finance & Economics Podcast & Video Series.
Mitchell Joy from Montgomery County Public Schools in Bethesda, MD received the Religious Literacy Award for his efforts to integrate knowledge of diverse faith traditions, inclusive of the Sikh tradition, into courses or curricula at their school or designed pedagogy with values of respect, and social justice that acknowledge and respect students’ religious practices. This award is an Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award, a collaboration between NCSS and the Kaur Foundation.
“Congratulations to this year's NCSS award winners for your exceptional contributions to social studies education. Your unwavering commitment and dedication, especially in a field that continues to present challenges, have not gone unnoticed. Your work reflects the highest standards of teaching, research, and service, and it underscores the vital role social studies educators play in shaping a more informed, compassionate, and globally-minded society.” said Jennifer Morgan, NCSS president.
"All of us at NCSS are thrilled with the accomplishments and dedication to the social studies community from this year’s award winners. We honor not only your commitment to excellence, we celebrate your dedication to realizing the vision of NCSS to a world in which all students are educated and inspired for lifelong inquiry and informed civic action. Congratulations to all the award winners – now more than ever, strong, vibrant and staunch advocates of social studies help to inspire all of us." said Anton Schulzki, NCSS interim executive director.
NCSS awards educators each year at its Annual Conference for excellence in social studies education. More information on NCSS FASSE awards and recognition programs can be found here.
The NCSS Annual Conference is the largest and most comprehensive social studies professional development conference in the United States, where social studies educators share, interact, develop ideas, and enhance their skills. This year’s theme, “Many Voices, Many Stories, One World,” offers more than 500 content-rich sessions covering all subjects and grade levels, a lineup of renowned speakers and education experts, and numerous exhibiting organizations displaying the latest in educational resources. Registration details and further information can be found here.
Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is the largest professional association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. Its mission is to provide leadership, service, and support for all educators. The NCSS membership represents K-12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, social studies supervisors, and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute the social studies.
For More Information:
Joy D. Lindsey
Deputy Executive Director
301.850.7458
jlindsey@ncss.org
