The VFW launched the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award in 1999 to recognize classroom teachers for promoting citizenship education. Three teachers from each level (grades K-5, 6-8 & 9-12) are selected as national winners. Each national award teacher winner receives the Past Commander-in-Chief John Smart Award and $1,000.00. Their respective schools also receive a $1,000.00 award. They receive a paid trip to a VFW national event to receive their award.

Deadlines
November 9th - Deadline for teacher nominations at the Post. Post judging should be completed by November 15th and winners sent to District. District judging should be completed by December 15th and winners forwarded to the Department. Department judging should be completed January 10th and winners submitted to VFW National Headquarters by January 15th.

SPECIAL NOTE: Anyone may nominate a teacher except for the teacher himself or herself (or the teacher’s relative.) While a school official may nominate a teacher, permission from a school or district is not required.

Judging
Select competent and unbiased judges. A panel of at least three to five judges is recommended. The VFW chairman should be present at the judging to provide assistance but should not be one of the judges. Prior to the judging, the chairman should review all nomination forms to ensure they adhere to the rules. Make sure entry is not a self nomination. The nominator should keep to the 350 word limit and sign the nomination.
Judges should grant points based on four criteria with the potential of 100 points as follows:
1-25 points - Does the teacher teach and/or model good citizenship and community involvement?
1-25 points- An innovative approach to teaching citizenship.
1-25 points - Development of resources to teach citizenship education.
 1-25 points – Passion for teaching citizenship education.

Instruction Manual . . . Brochure . . . Post Entry Form . . . District Reporting Form Packet

For a sample Press Release check here.

Please make sure your entries include:
1. Original entry form and essay of 350 words or less (both signed by person nominating teacher.)
2. Official Post Teacher Entry Form w/signatures at Post, District and Department level. (see enclosed).
3. One page resume (no more than two sides).
4. Up to 5 pages (both sides) of additional documentation (i.e. news articles, supervisors recommendations).
5. Good quality head and shoulders photograph (low grade computer printouts will not be accepted).

Contact Teacher Award Chairman Don Mackey with any questions

Namvetdem@yahoo.com