PCSS Annual Awards

PCSS Annual Awards

The following awards are offered through PCSS...

We encourage any current PCSS member to nominate a colleague, individual or organization to be recognized for their efforts in the area of Social Studies.

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Please review the criteria and requirements and address any questions or concerns to the specified Awards Chairperson.

All entries should be sent electronically (e-mailed)  to:

Chris Zanoni

[email protected]

Questions: Please call  (814) 279-5359

 

As an organization we ask that nominations be sent via email (with electronic signatures) in order to support our efforts to "go green".

Outstanding Project Award

Purpose

The Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies (PCSS) will identify and recognize a professional, non-K-12 teaching, in the state of Pennsylvania that is particularly supportive of our organization.

Criteria

An exemplary Social Studies project is a currently implemented Social Studies project, e.g., unit of study or a simulation unit, of outstanding quality that is based on a sound and professional framework. The Social Studies project will encourage

  • Articulation of creative ideas and thinking
  • Balance of content
  • Innovative and creative teaching techniques and materials
  • Display of thinking skills and processes
  • Involvement of students, community, and teacher(s)

* This project may be completed at any grade level

Categories of Entry

Select one (1) of the listed categories for your entry.

  1. District level involving grades K-12
  2. Elementary level involving one grade level or multi-grades level or integration of disciplines.
  3. Junior high or middle school level involving one grade level, a multi-grades level, or a team level
  4. Senior high involving one grade level or multi-grades level or integration of disciplines.
  5. Social Studies pre-service or in-service teacher training at the school district level or college or university level

Entry Requirements

Submit (1) set of nominations materials via electronic mail, or postmarked, no later than June 1st.

  1. Complete a NOMINATION FORM by June 1st.
  2. Prepare an abstract describing the Social Studies project including the project’s rationale, academic standards, key concepts, materials, teaching and learning activities, assessment techniques
  3. Written supporting documents,  video or photo portfolio of the program

OUTSTANDING SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT AWARD (Nomination form to download and complete)

 

Program of Excellence Award

Purpose:

The Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies (PCSS) will identify and recognize an exemplary Social Studies curricular program at the annual PCSS Conference Awards Banquet.

Criteria:

An exemplary Social Studies curricular program is a currently implemented Social Studies program of outstanding quality which is based on a sound and professional curricular framework. The award will recognize a complete Social Studies curricular program which encourages:

  • Articulation of creative ideas and thinking
  • Balance of content
  • Innovative and creative teaching techniques and materials
  • Display of thinking skills and processes
  • Involvement of students, community, and teacher(s)

* This program may be completed at any grade level

Categories of Entry:

Select one (1) of the listed categories for your entry:

  1. District level involving grades K-12
  2. Elementary level involving one grade level or multi-grades level or integration of disciplines.
  3. Junior high or middle school level involving one grade level, a multi-grades level, or a team level.
  4. Senior high involving one grade level or multi-grades level or integration of disciplines.
  5. Social Studies pre-service or in-service teacher training at the school district level or college or university level

Entry Requirements:

Submit (1) set of nominations materials via electronic mail, or postmarked, no later than June 1st.

  1. Complete a NOMINATION FORM by June 1st.
  2. Prepare an abstract describing the Social Studies program including the program’s rationale, academic standards, key concepts, materials, teaching and learning activities, assessment techniques
  3. Written supporting documents,  video or photo portfolio of the program

OUTSTANDING SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE AWARD (Nomination form to download and complete)

 

Secondary Teacher of the Year

Purpose

The Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies (PCSS) will identify and recognize an outstanding secondary level Social Studies teacher at the annual PCSS Conference Awards Banquet.

Criteria

The secondary level classroom teacher will have demonstrated exceptional professionalism in at leave five (5) of the following areas:

  1. Develop and use instructional materials with students creatively and effectively.
  2. Incorporate and demonstrate the use of innovative instructional techniques.
  3. Utilize new research from social studies and related appropriate disciplines.
  4. Foster a spirit of inquiry and the development of skills in students of acquiring, organizing, processing, and using information to make decisions related to a community, state, regional, national or international issue or concern.
  5. Foster the development of democratic beliefs and skills essential for active citizenship in the classroom, school, family and community that is appropriate for elementary children.
  6. Demonstrate professional involvement in the social studies such as being active in the professional organizations, presenting at a conference or seminar.

Entry Requirements

Submit (1) set of nominations materials via electronic mail, or postmarked, no later than June 1st.

  1. Complete a NOMINATION FORM by June 1st.
  2. A nominee for the award must teach Social Studies in the classroom on a regular and systematic basis.
  3. Vita of nominee.
  4. Narrative of the nominee’s accomplishments.
  5. Supporting written documentation from students, parents, colleagues, supervisor, and so forth.
  6. Video or teaching portfolio.

OUTSTANDING SECONDARY LEVEL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD (Nomination form to download and complete)

 

Elementary Teacher of the Year

Purpose

The Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies (PCSS) will identify and recognize an outstanding elementary level Social Studies teacher at the annual PCSS Conference Awards Banquet.

Criteria

The elementary level classroom teacher will have demonstrated exceptional professionalism in at leave five (5) of the following areas:

  1. Develop and use instructional materials with students creatively and effectively.
  2. Incorporate and demonstrate the use of innovative instructional techniques.
  3. Utilize new research from social studies and related appropriate disciplines.
  4. Foster a spirit of inquiry and the development of skills in students of acquiring, organizing, processing, and using information to make decisions related to a community, state, regional, national or international issue or concern.
  5. Foster the development of democratic beliefs and skills essential for active citizenship in the classroom, school, family and community that is appropriate for elementary children.
  6. Demonstrate professional involvement in the social studies such as being active in the professional organizations, presenting at a conference or seminar.

Entry Requirements

Submit (1) set of nominations materials via electronic mail, or postmarked, no later than June 1st.

  1. Complete a NOMINATION FORM by June 1st 
  2. A nominee for the award must teach Social Studies in the classroom on a regular and systematic basis.
  3. Vita of nominee.
  4. Narrative of the nominee’s accomplishments.
  5. Supporting written documentation from students, parents, colleagues, supervisor, and so forth.
  6. Video or teaching portfolio.

OUTSTANDING ELEMENTARY LEVEL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD (Nomination form to download and complete)

 

Student Teacher of the Year

Purpose

The Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies (PCSS) will identify and recognize an outstanding Social Studies student teacher at the annual PCSS Conference Awards Banquet.

Criteria

The student teacher will have demonstrated exceptional professionalism in at least seven (7) of the following areas:

  1. Develop and use instructional materials with students creatively and effectively.
  2. Demonstrate competence in the content of the Social Studies area expected to teach.
  3. Demonstrate thorough planning and organization for the teaching and learning experiences with efficiency and clarity of purpose.
  4. Utilize clarity of communication in the classroom setting.
  5. Establish a learning environment conducive to positive interaction with the students.
  6. Maintain effective classroom management techniques.
  7. Conduct self in a professional manner and be committed genuinely to being a classroom teacher.
  8. Utilize current research from Social Studies and related appropriate disciplines.
  9. Demonstrate professional involvement in the Social Studies such as being active in the professional organizations, presenting at a conference or seminar.

Entry Requirements

Submit (1) set of nominations materials via electronic mail, or postmarked, no later than June 1st.

  1. Complete a NOMINATION FORM by June 1st. 
  2. A nominee for the award must teach Social Studies in the classroom on a regular and systematic basis.
  3. Vita of nominee.
  4. Narrative of the nominee’s accomplishments.
  5. Supporting written documentation from students, parents, colleagues, supervisor, and so forth.
  6. Video or teaching portfolio.

SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENT TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD (Nomination form to download and complete)

 

Rendell Friend of Social Studies

Purpose

The Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies (PCSS) will identify and recognize a non-teaching professional in the state of Pennsylvania that is particularly supportive of our organization.

Criteria: 

Nominees must:

  • Be supportive of PCSS.
  • Have furthered the interest of social studies teaching and/or social studies interest in Pennsylvania.
  • Exhibit conscientious interest and Involvement.
  • Professional, non-K-12 teaching, dedicated to the promotion of Social Studies education.

RENDELL FRIEND OF SOCIAL STUDIES AWARD  (Nomination form to download and complete)

 

Social Studies Future Leader

Purpose

The Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies (PCSS) will identify and recognize a student demonstrating positive citizenship and/or a passion for Social Studies at the annual PCSS Conference Awards Banquet.

* This may be related to any grade level

Entry Requirements

Submit (1) set of nominations materials via electronic mail, or postmarked, no later than June 1st.

  1. Complete a NOMINATION FORM by June 1st.
  2. Prepare an abstract describing the nominated student and his/her contribution/project.
  3. Written supporting documents,  video or photo portfolio of the program

SOCIAL STUDIES FUTURE LEADER AWARD  (Nomination form to download and complete)

 

PCSS Publication Entry of the Year

Purpose:

Based on all articles submitted to the PCSS Journal Editorial Committee one will be chosen to spotlight at our annual conference

Criteria:

If interested in submitting an article please contact David Trevaskis at [email protected] or 717-571-7414.