Connecticut Council for the Social Studies Awards
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Submissions Due March 13, 2026 - Pre-Service Teacher Award Submission Due March 27, 2026
Excellence in Social Studies Education
Purpose:
To recognize exceptional classroom social studies teachers who teach social studies in elementary, middle or junior high, and high school settings.
Two Award Categories: Grades K-8 and Grades 9-12
Award Includes:
- 1 year membership for CCSS and NCSS
- Gift
- Recognition at CCSS Spring Social
- Awardees are eligible to apply for the NCSS Outstanding Social Studies Teacher Award
Criteria:
- Anyone may nominate. Self nominations are accepted.
- Develop and/or use instructional materials creatively and effectively.
- Incorporate innovative and/or verified effective instructional strategies, techniques and technologies.
- Utilize new scholarship from history, the social sciences, or other appropriate fields.
- Foster a spirit of inquiry and the development of skills related to acquiring, organizing and using information.
- Foster the development of democratic beliefs and values and the skills needed for citizen participation appropriate to students’ grade level in classroom, school, and community settings.
- Show professional involvement in activities such as workshops, curriculum development, committees other association or professional activities, etc.
Pre-Service Excellence in Social Studies Education
Purpose:
To honor outstanding pre-service social studies teachers.
Two Award Categories: Grades K-8 And Grades 9-12
Award includes:
- 1 year membership for CCSS
- Gift
- Recognition at CCSS Spring Social
Criteria:
This award is given to a student who has demonstrated:
- excellence in work with children/students in field sites
- standards-based lesson planning promoting social studies inquiry/discourse
- leadership in professional activities
- scholastic perseverance and excellence
The John H. Stedman Passion for the Social Studies Teaching Award
The John H. Stedman Passion for the Social Studies Teaching Award is an annual recognition presented by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies (CCSS) in honor of the late John H. Stedman, a long-time CCSS Board member and a beloved educator at Manchester High School. Known for his ability to connect with students of all levels, John is remembered for his infectious passion for teaching and his dedication to nurturing both academic growth and life skills. The award celebrates those who, like John, demonstrate a deep commitment to social studies education and inspire their students to think critically about the world around them.
Purpose:
To honor an outstanding social studies teacher who exemplifies John H. Stedman’s passion for the subject, dedication to his students, and ability to engage learners in meaningful ways. Nominations for this award may only be submitted by students, reflecting John’s belief in the profound impact teachers can have on their students’ lives.
Award Includes:
- Gift
- Recognition at CCSS Spring Social
Criteria:
- Nominations are for social studies teachers, grades 6-12.
- Nominations may come from individual students or groups of students.
- Students must fill out a nomination form and include a one-page letter (300-500 words) explaining why they believe their social studies teacher is deserving of the John Stedman Award.
- If a group of students is joining together for a nomination, each will fill out the nomination form, including a letter.
- The Award will be determined based solely on letters from students, so write well and convince CCSS that your teacher is someone special in the classroom and out.
Bruce Fraser Friend of the Social Studies Award
Bruce Fraer served as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Humanities Council from 1982 until his passing in 2010. A giant in the world of humanities, he significantly contributed to making materials related to Connecticut history more accessible to teachers, enhancing the state’s educational resources. Fraer exemplified what it meant to be a true friend of social studies.
Purpose:
To honor dedicated, continuous service to social studies in Connecticut.
Award Includes:
- Gift
- Recognition at the CCSS Spring Social
Criteria:
- Anyone may nominate. Self nominations are accepted.
- Has furthered the interests of social studies teaching and/or social studies interests in Connecticut.
- Has had a substantial impact on social studies in Connecticut.
- Exhibits passion, conscientious interest, and involvement in the social studies.
- Teaching, non-teaching, or retired professional.
Pamela Bellmore Gardner Social Studies Leadership Award
Pamela Bellmore Gardner was a long-time member of the board of directors and past-president of the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies. She was co-chair of the 1996 Northeast Regional Social Studies Conference held in New Haven. Pam then went into school administration and served as the principal of West Haven High School until her passing in 2018.
Purpose:
To recognize an administrator who has been supportive of social studies education in elementary, middle, and high school settings.
Award Includes:
- Gift
- Recognition at CCSS Spring Social
Criteria
- Nominations come from educators; nominators will provide a letter of support, along with an additional letter of support from a social studies colleague.
- Have supported, developed, or otherwise encouraged innovative social studies instruction.
- Foster a spirit of inquiry and the development of skills related to social studies education.
- Foster the development of democratic beliefs and values and the skills needed for citizen. participation appropriate to students’ grade level in classroom, school, and community settings.
- Show professional involvement in activities related to social studies, such as workshops, curriculum development, committees other association or professional activities, etc.
- Have furthered the interests of social studies teaching and/or social studies interests in Connecticut.
Special Projects Award
Purpose:
To highlight exceptional social studies projects that engage students in unique, relevant, and inspirational learning activities.
Award Includes
- Gift
- Recognition at the CCSS Spring Social
- Opportunity to present project at CCSS Annual Fall Conference
Criteria:
- Anyone may nominate. Self nominations are accepted.
- Project impacts elementary, middle or high school students’ learning in the content and skills of social studies in a creative, meaningful, and effective manner.
- Project is fundamentally collaborative and encourages lifelong learning.
- Project incorporates innovative and/or verified effective instructional strategies, techniques and technologies.
- Project is clearly aligned to the Connecticut Social Studies Framework.
- Project fosters a spirit of inquiry and the development of skills related to acquiring, organizing and using information.
- Foster the development of democratic beliefs and values and the skills needed for citizen participation appropriate to students’ grade level in classroom, school, and community settings.
Louis Addazio Lifetime Achievement Award
During the 1970s, Lou Addazio was a beloved instructor of social studies methods classes at Central Connecticut State College (as it was known at the time). A generation of teachers who began their careers in social studies during that era had Lou Addazio as their instructor. Fun fact: During Dr. Addazio’s class, the week focused on "technology" taught students how to operate a filmstrip projector, a 16mm movie projector, and a mimeograph machine. The Addazio Award, named in his honor, is the most prestigious award offered by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies.
Purpose:
To recognize significant contributions to the social studies field by a teacher and/or supervisor.
Criteria:
- Nomination only by committee of past-Addazio awardee recipients.
- Have served for a minimum of 15 years in the field of social studies as a teacher and/or supervisor.
- Be or have been during his/her professional career a member of a professional social studies organizations.
Award Includes:
- Plaque and Recognition
- Lifetime CCSS membership
Qualify In Six Of The Following Categories:
- Present or past office holder in district, state, or national professional organization.
- Chairperson of a committee in district, state or national professional organization.
- Committee member of a district, state, or national professional organization.
- Active participation in civic organizations.
- Publications in the field of social studies.
- Lectures and papers presented to professional and non professional groups.
- Research in the field of social studies.
- Involvement in experimental/exemplary programs.
- Any other contributions in the field of social studies not herein listed.
National Council for the Social Studies Awards
Each year, the National Council for the Social Studies recognizes educators, advocates, researchers, and writers with several grants and awards. Check out their website for more: https://www.socialstudies.org/membership/awards-and-grants
Gilder Lehrman History teacher of the Year Award
National winner chosen from among state winners receives a $10,000 prize presented at an award ceremony in their honor in New York City. State winners receive a $1,000 prize, an archive of classroom resources, and recognition at a ceremony in their state. Find out more at https://www.gilderlehrman.org/programs-and-events/national-history-teacher-year
Life Changer of the Year Award
LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program sponsored by National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees across the country. Our program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. Application info: https://www.lifechangeroftheyear.com/
