Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.
Please review the new rules and eligibility requirements and download the 2026 entry form to nominate a teacher you know. Teacher nomination entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadline.
Looking to share updated information and materials on VFW's Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen and Teacher Award programs? Share our National Scholarship Brochure (coming soon) with the students and educators in your community.
And the 2026 Teachers of the Year are ...
Elizabeth Lee, a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) K-5 teacher at Ranson Elementary School in Ranson, West Virginia, was chosen as the elementary school winner for 2026 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for her dedication and focus on service, respect, empathy and civic responsibility built into her teaching. She is known for hosting initiatives like neighborhood clean-ups, food drives and collecting supplies for local animal shelters in need, in addition to planning family STEAM nights that help strengthen student learning and build a stronger community. Lee was sponsored by VFW Post 3522 in Charles Town, West Virginia.
Tammy Gipson is a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in McPherson, Kansas, and was selected to receive the 2026 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award at the middle school level. She was chosen for her desire to bring the world and history to life in her classroom, and for her dedication to teaching the value and importance of community service, military service and civic duty. From bringing in local military and veteran families to discuss the meaning of Veterans Day and putting up a “Veteran’s Wall of Fame” with students writing letters to veterans, to organizing mock elections and hosting a piece of the World Trade Center from 9/11 to ensure newer generations never forget, her work with her students and the community continues to push the bar higher for her peers. Gipson was sponsored by VFW Post 2715 and its Auxiliary in McPherson, Kansas.
Jeron Velasco, a high school teacher at Dishchii’Bikoh High School in Cibecue, Arizona, has been selected to receive the 2026 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award at the high school level. He was chosen for his ability to transform history into a living dialogue of democracy, civic responsibility and community empowerment and support. A Filipino educator with American roots and the grandson of a veteran, Velasco bridges cultures through his Heroes of Cibecue project where students research, write and publish a book preserving the untold military service stories of White Mountain Apache veterans. Velasco was sponsored by White Mountain Area VFW Post 9907 and its Auxiliary in Show Low, Arizona.