Brenton S. Halsey Teaching Excellence Award
(for Secondary Teachers)
Every year, the Virginia Historical Society recognizes an outstanding teacher who teaches Virginia or American history in a Virginia public or private school. The individual selected this year will receive the 2008 Brenton S. Halsey Teaching Excellence Award, along with a $250 monetary prize, and will be recognized at the Society's annual meeting in November.
Please note: The eligibility requirements have changed. The award will alternate annually between teachers in elementary schools (K–5) and secondary schools (6–12). Only secondary school teachers are eligible for the award this year.
Criteria for Selection
The candidate:
• demonstrates an understanding of history and enthusiasm for the subject.
• fosters a spirit of inquiry and the development of critical thinking skills among students.
• uses innovative, creative teaching techniques and materials and promotes their use by colleagues.
• provides leadership in the field of K–12 history education.
How to nominate a teacher
Submit the nomination form. Secure the
following supporting materials from your nominee and submit them to: Director of Education, Virginia Historical
Society, P.O. Box 7311, Richmond, VA 23221-0311. All materials must be received by June 15, 2008.
• the nominee's current teaching schedule and résumé or vita.
• three letters of recommendation, one of which must come from
the teacher's immediate supervisor. Letters of support should be no longer than 300 words and should
address the qualifications listed above.
• any other evidence, such as lesson plans, projects or articles, that
demonstrate instructional excellence or otherwise support the teacher's application. Materials cannot be returned.
Previous Recipients
1997 David F. Riddick, Albemarle County Public Schools
1998 Linda K. Miller, Fairfax County Public Schools
1999 Wayne E. Boese, St. Christopher's School, Richmond
2000 Jetta Walls, Loudoun County Public Schools
Cynthia Smith, St. Gertrude High School, Richmond
2001 Eric D. Powell, Stafford County Public Schools
2002 Bobbie J. Johnson, Loudoun County Public Schools
2003 Richard Gillespie, Loudoun County Public Schools
2004 Cheryl Phillips, Prince William County Public Schools
2005 Sally Ryan Burgess, Henrico County Public Schools
2006 James Percoco, Fairfax County Public Schools
2007 Kristi Titus, Loudoun County Public Schools
The completed nomination form and supporting materials must be received by June 15, 2007.
The Halsey Teaching Excellence Award is chosen by a subcommittee of the VHS Teacher Advisory Board
according to the criteria stated above. All decisions are final and within the discretion of the Virginia Historical
Society and its representatives.
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