KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the submission deadline only days away, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is issuing its final call for nominations to its National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Nominations must be submitted to local VFW Posts by February 15.
Enacted in 1999, the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award recognizes three exceptional teachers who demonstrate a passion for teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. The award is sponsored by past VFW National Commander John Smart and retired VFW Quartermaster General Larry Maher.
The three winning teachers receive $1,000 for their own professional development, $1,000 for their respective schools, plus a free trip to New Orleans, La., where the awards will be presented during the 118th VFW National Convention this July.
In addition to the traditional awards, the top 10 high school category nominees will receive a special tuition grant to attend a summer Freedoms Foundation’s Medal of Honor Legacy graduate program. The accredited course, which includes up to three graduate credit hours, focuses on character-building and developing responsible citizens through the study of history and the social sciences.
Will Ellery, the 2016 high school-level winner said he left the Freedoms Foundation with a deeper appreciation and respect for all veterans. When asked about the impact the VFW award and Freedoms Foundation grant had on him, he said “I was immensely proud to be introduced to those who were there as being selected by the VFW. Who better to be recognized by than those whose efforts you try to recognize yourself?”
Teachers in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 can be nominated by fellow teachers, students, supervisors or other interested individuals. Nomination forms are due to your local VFW Post by February 15.
Learn more about the Teacher of the Year program and nominate a teacher today!