Nominate an educator for VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award
Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) recognizes three exceptional teachers - one each from the elementary, junior high and high school levels - for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and instill patriotism in their students. These teachers are prime candidates for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award Citations, nominations for which are due to any VFW Post no later than October 31 of this year.
Founded in 1899, the VFW highly supports the education of America’s youth. VFW and its Auxiliary have developed a slate of programs dedicated to helping America’s educators. VFW Citizenship Education programs stimulate interest in America’s history, traditions, Americanism, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism.
Eligibility for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award Citations includes the following:
1. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. For example, teachers who plan field trips to city hall or organize community volunteer projects, or who invite veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences, or who foster the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects.
2. All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Previous national winners are ineligible. Nominations can be submitted by teacher themselves, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals.
Documentation required for all candidates being nominated for the award includes the following:
Fill out the nomination form that can be found at https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net and searching for “Smart/Maher”. Along with the completed nomination form, provide a one-page resume as a minimum or up to five pages as a maximum of documentation of their teaching experience (for example: references, news articles, etc.) and a head-and-shoulder photo.
Completed and signed nomination forms, along with the required documentation, should be submitted to the local VFW Post. Visit vfw.org/Find-a-Post for Post locations or call VFW Programs Department at 816-756-3390, ext. 6287 to find the nearest Post. Questions can also be sent by email to vfwauxiliarylansing@gmail.com.
