Virginia Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year
From the Virginia Council for the Social Studies flyer:
"Each year, the Virginia Council for the Social Studies (VCSS) recognizes outstanding teachers of the social studies K-12. The Teacher of the Year is the Virginia Social Studies educator who makes social studies lively, engaging and informative for his/her students while also developing the thinking skills and habits of inquiry necessary for effective democratic citizenship. Criteria for the award include but are not limited to a) developing and using creative instructional materials, b) incorporating effective instructional strategies, c) utilizing new scholarship from the social sciences, d) fostering the development of democratic ideals and skills needed for citizen participation, and e) displaying evidence of professional development activities. The Virginia Teacher of the Year will receive $500.00 for professional purposes and be recognized at the annual conference of the Virginia Council for the Social Studies in the fall. In short, the Council seeks the nominations of exemplary social studies professionals."