National Citizenship Education Teacher Award

VFW Cares About Education

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is concerned with the education of America’s youth. VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary have developed a slate of programs dedicated to this endeavor. VFW’s Citizenship Education program stimulates interest in America’s history, traditions, institutions, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism. VFW wants to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students. VFW offers cash awards, commemorative plaques and all expenses- paid trips to the nation’s capital for these worthy teachers. The trip will provide an opportunity for winners to exchange ideas.

Promoting Citizenship Education

VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly teaching (at least half of the school day in a classroom environment) and promote America’s history, traditions and institutions effectively.

Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. For example, a teacher may plan field trips to city hall or organize community volunteer projects. A teacher may invite veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences. A teacher may foster the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects.

How Does the Contest Work?

Based on the nominees submitted, VFW Posts will recognize one outstanding teacher in grades, K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Posts then submit these winners’ names to their District level judging who will forward their winners to the Department (or state) level. After judging, each Department then forwards the names of its winners to VFW National Headquarters for consideration in the national awards contest.

Who is eligible?

All current classroom teachers (teaching at least half of the school day in a classroom environment) in grades K-12 are eligible. Previous state and national VFW winners are ineligible. Nominations can be submitted by fellow teachers, supervisors or other interested individuals (not relatives). Self-nominees are not eligible.

How are teachers nominated?

Obtain the nomination form from VFW Post 9934. In 350 words or less, describe why you feel your nominee should be selected. Describe the teacher’s innovative teaching and resource development methods, as well as his/her dedication to education.

Please submit your completed nomination form and signed essay to VFW Post 9934.

The person selected as the Post 9934 nominee should provide a one page resume, up to five pages of documentation of their teaching experience (references, news articles) and a head and shoulder photo of themselves.

When is the deadline?

Nominations must be received by October 31, 2019, by VFW Post 9934.

For additional information, contact:

VFW Post 9934
33282 Golden Lantern
Suite 103
Dana Point, CA 92629

Telephone: (949) 248-1419
E-mail: VFW Post 9934