Teachers honored for civic education excellence in Los Angeles, Sept 2024

On September 9, 2024, in Los Angeles, three teachers were honored with the 2024 American Civic Education Teacher Awards for their outstanding contributions to civic education. The awardees, Lem Wheeles from Alaska, Jennifer Pensiero from Maryland, and Lauren Hallgring from New Jersey, were recognized for their commitment to teaching the U.S. Constitution and American government, preparing students to be informed and engaged citizens. Dr. Donna Phillips, President of the Center for Civic Education, commended their dedication to making democracy and citizenship relevant to students' lives. Wheeles, a high school teacher, emphasized the importance of teaching students to use their voices for community benefit. He holds a master's degree in teaching from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Pensiero, who teaches at an elementary school with a diverse student body, focuses on non-partisan strategies to help students form their political opinions. She has been teaching for 13 years and values the diverse backgrounds of her students in understanding American democracy. Hallgring, with 14 years of teaching experience, collaborates with organizations like the League of Women Voters to make civics relatable. She earned her master's degree in history from Monmouth University. The awards are sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, the Center on Representative Government at Indiana University, and the National Education Association, highlighting the importance of civic education in fostering responsible participation in democracy. The application process for the awards requires a self-portrait essay, a resume, and letters of recommendation, showcasing the commitment of educators to civic engagement. These awards not only recognize individual excellence but also promote the significance of civic education in shaping future generations of informed citizens.