Ten Finalists Selected for Bill of Rights Institute National Civics Teacher of the Year Award

Following a nationwide search, finalists are now in the running for top honor and $5,000 prize

ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In classrooms across the country, civics teachers help students explore the principles, ideas, and institutions that shape our nation, and what it means to participate in self-government.

Now, ten of those teachers have been selected as finalists for the Bill of Rights Institute’s National Civics Teacher of the Year Award for the 2026-2027 school year.

The Bill of Rights Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that guides teachers and students to engage with American history and civics through trusted classroom resources and educational programs. The national award recognizes dedicated teachers who bring civic learning to life every day.

The finalists were chosen after a nationwide search that invited fellow teachers, students, parents, and community members to nominate outstanding civics teachers. Nominees submitted essays reflecting on the role they play in helping students understand and practice the ideals of a free and just society.

The National Civics Teacher of the Year Award finalists include:

• Alishia Gaston Stack, Lowndes High School, Valdosta, GA
• Christopher Klugman, BASIS Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ
• Jaimee Martin, West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School, West Bridgewater, MA
• Jordan Gray, Benjamin Syms Middle School, Hampton, VA
• Katie Boland, Trumbull High School, Trumbull, CT
• Lawtnee Frazier, Quail Hollow Middle School, Charlotte, NC
• Monica Brown, Oakshire Elementary School, Memphis, TN
• Patricia Wyskowski, Bayonne High School Bayonne, NJ
• Rachel Morrison, Goochland High School, Goochland, VA
• Seth Harris, Shaker Middle School, Latham, NY

This year’s finalists, representing nine different states, have all earned a $1,000 prize. The National Civics Teacher of the Year Award, which comes with a $5,000 prize, will be announced in October.

Bill of Rights Institute President and CEO David Bobb said he hopes the award and the honorees will inspire conversations about the essential role civics teachers play in preparing students to participate in our shared civic life.

“Civics teachers give students opportunities to learn America’s founding principles and develop the virtues and skills needed to sustain them,” Bobb said. “By connecting those ideas to what students experience today, these teachers are preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to our communities. The work of these outstanding civics teachers reaches far beyond the classroom, and we are proud to recognize them.”

The Bill of Rights Institute is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit that works with teachers and students to strengthen history and civic education. Through classroom resources, professional learning, student programs, and educational experiences, BRI helps young people develop the knowledge, judgment, and civic virtues needed for self-government. To learn more, visit www.mybri.org.

Ally Silva
Bill of Rights Institute
+1 703-915-2949
email us here

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