Nominations sought for Earle C. Clements Innovation in Education Award for Civics and History Teachers

Senator Earle C. Clements

The National Archives and the UK Libraries Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center seek nominations (including self-nominations) for the Earle C. Clements Innovation in Education Award for Civics and History Teachers.

The Clements Award honors the life and career of the late Earle C. Clements and his lifelong commitment to education and public service. The political career of Clements included service as a county sheriff, clerk, and judge; in the state senate and as governor; and in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, where he was a close colleague to Lyndon Baines Johnson. Bess Abell, Clements’s daughter, is both a board member of the Foundation for the National Archives and alumna of the University of Kentucky.

Up to three teachers throughout the state will be selected by an independent review panel for the Clements Award and will receive $1,000 each.  The award criteria include the following:

Teacher’s knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the subject and commitment to increasing student awareness of the importance of public service

• Demonstrates expertise in civics and history content and the ability to share it with students

• Conveys enthusiasm for teaching and motivates students to learn and achieve

• Employs active learning techniques and inspires students to be informed and active citizens 

Impact on student success

• Motivates students to achieve high standards

• Initiates critical thinking and fosters informed student discussion

• Promotes academic success and cultivates a love of learning in students of all abilities and backgrounds

Evidence of creativity and innovation

• Improves learning by using creative, original, and effective teaching methods

• Uses technology in innovative ways to improve learning outcomes

• Incorporates primary sources in innovative lessons that improve student achievement

Eligibility: All high school history and civics (social studies) teachers

Application packets must include the following:

1.      Completed application form

2.      Letter from applicant addressing above criteria

3.      Letter of support from principal

Optional:

1.      Sample assignment

2.      Other supporting materials (may include student letters of support)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: postmarked or emailed by March 11, 2016

To access an online application for the Clements Award, visit https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3z1WMOjIX1ZusL3.

Application packets may be also be sent via mail:

Clements Award

Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center

Margaret I. King Library

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY 40506-0039

For questions: deirdre@uky.edu (please put Clements Award in the subject line).