Awards Guidelines

Iowa Social Studies Teacher of the Year Recipients of the Iowa Social Studies Teacher of the Year award will be recognized with an award and a one-year paid membership to the National Council for the Social Studies and the Iowa Council for the Social Studies. Winners also have the option to be nominated for the NCSS Teacher of the Year Award. The applicant must be a member of ICSS with over three years of experience and currently under contract within the State of Iowa. Categories include elementary, middle, and high school teacher of the year. Applications include a resume and a letter of recommendation from the teacher’s principal or superintendent. Recipients of this award are encouraged to lead a session at the fall conference. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 31st.

Clair Keller Development Instructional Project Grant The Clair Keller Development Instructional Project Grant applicant must submit a project proposal on line, including the main purpose of the project, objectives, and schedule for completion, with a cover page with the applicant’s name, school, and address. The applicant must be a member of ICSS. The Clair Keller Development Instructional Project Grant winners receive a grant of $250. The winner must also present at the next ICSS fall conference. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 31.

Don Fett Social Studies Instruction Award The Iowa Council for the Social Studies will give a $100 cash award to K-12 teachers for submitting an exemplary lesson plan that they have created. This lesson plan must reflect current trends in social studies education and be an original approach to the teaching of any social studies discipline. A cover page must also be included with the lesson plan. Winner(s) of this award must present their lesson plan at the fall conference of the Iowa Council for the Social Studies. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 31.

Helen Finken Award This award recognizes teachers in their first three years of teaching Social Studies, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in Social Studies Education. This award is given in memory of Helen Finken, an outstanding teacher and long time member and officer of ICSS. Nominees must have three or fewer years of teaching experience. They must submit two lesson plans and examples of Iowa Teaching Standard #8. They must be a member of ICSS. Recipients will be required to lead a session at the conference at which they receive the award. Recipients receive an award and registration for the conference at which they will receive the award, plus ICSS and NCSS membership for one year. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 31.

John Haefner Award Individuals who are eligible for the John Haefner Award must be recommended by a member of the Iowa Council for the Social Studies to the Executive Secretary and the President of the Council. Professionals selected for the award must have promoted better teaching in social studies by participating in the professional workshops and conferences at both the state and national levels. The nominee is not to be informed that they have been nominated or are to receive the award. The essence of this award is recognition by the recipient’s peers for outstanding teaching, continuous learning and/or service to the social studies education profession. The Executive Board will evaluate the applications and the recipient of the award will be announced at the annual conference luncheon. The recipient of this award will receive a plaque from the Iowa Council for the Social Studies signifying his/her selection. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 31.