American Civic Education Teacher Awards
The Center for Civic Education, the Center on Representative Government at Indiana University, and the National Education Association conduct an annual program to honor American teachers of civics, government, and related fields. The American Civic Education Teacher Awards (ACETA) promotes national recognition and respect for the teaching profession as a whole and teachers of civic education in particular.
The awards honor elementary and secondary civic education teachers with specific expertise in teaching about the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Congress, and public policy at the state and local levels.
Why Honor Civic Education Teachers?
A free society must rely on the civic knowledge, skills, and virtue of its citizens and those they elect to public office. Schools bear a unique and historic responsibility for developing civic competence and civic responsibility through formal and informal curricula, beginning in the earliest grades and continuing through the entire educational process.
Civic education is essential to preserving and improving American constitutional democracy. To this end, the critical role of teachers in preparing young people for the obligations of citizenship cannot be overstated.
What are the Goals of ACETA?
How are ACETA Winners Selected?
2023 ACETA Winners: Teachers from California, Florida, and Ohio
The three awardees share a passion for explaining democracy and citizenship in an engaging way and helping young people see that local, state and federal government is relevant to their lives.
Sergio de Alba of R.M. Miano Elementary (Calif.)
“To empower students, it is vital to create openings that allow them to engage in real-world civics-centered projects to help reinforce the idea of what this concept truly entails,” wrote elementary school teacher Sergio de Alba in his self-portrait essay. “I believe that the most significant learning occurs when students can think and explore their role in civics in their everyday lives.” Alba earned a master’s degree with distinction in education from California State University Stanislaus. He has been teaching for 22 years.
Allison Sheridan of Heritage Middle School (Fla.)
In her self-portrait, middle school teacher Allison Sheridan wrote, “Every weekday, future generations of citizens walk through my classroom door. Each one containing and developing their own unique perspectives about society and the world around them. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to ensure I am adequately preparing them for their role as an informed and productive member of our society.” Sheridan earned her doctoral degree in social science education from the University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 13 years.
Kimberly Huffman of Wayne County Joint Vocational School (Ohio)
Huffman teaches at a high school that offers career and technical programs. “Many of our students arrive credit deficient, require numerous accommodations, and some know that we are their last hope for a diploma,” she wrote in her self-portrait. “My students do not envision themselves in ‘We the People.’ I strive to embed them with knowledge and confidence in their own political efficacy. When students see difficulties arising in our system, I want them to feel empowered and emboldened to properly use it to effectively improve their conditions in life.” Huffman earned her master’s degree in American history and government from Ashland University. She has been teaching for 27 years.
