NJ Teacher Wins SAR MS History Teacher of the Year

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Click here to learn more

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NJ Teacher Wins SAR MS History Teacher of the Year 〰️ Click here to learn more 〰️

The Reverend John Witherspoon American History Teacher of the Year Grant*

*The Rev. John Witherspoon American History Teacher of the Year Grant is a an adjunct to the SAR Dr. Tom and Betty Lawrence History Teacher of the Year Award

Grant Applications Due December 8

The New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NJSSAR) invites all teachers in the State of New Jersey, whose approved curriculum teaches students anything about the American Revolution era from 1750 to 1800, to apply for the NJSSAR Reverend John Witherspoon American History Teacher Grant. The grant is open to all teachers at the 4th to 12th grade levels at a recognized public, charter, private, home school, or parochial institutions. While the preliminary rounds of the grant program begin at the local chapter level, teachers may eventually advance to the state and national levels.

The NJSSAR American History Teacher Grant recognizes educators who distinguish themselves in teaching the history of the American Revolution. Teacher candidates interested in entering the local SAR Chapter contest must complete the required application and submit a written essay of not less than 1000 words discussing the importance of teaching the American Revolution era. The essay may also describe any extraordinary teaching techniques or innovative projects the teacher utilizes to teach about any aspect of our history during the American Revolution. The grant aims to identify a teacher who is still actively teaching and has taught for at least three years. 

The program will feature a grant at each of the two educational levels, so there will be a recipient for the middle school level (beginning at 4th Grade), and the high school level.  An SAR Chapter may submit a contestant to the state from each school level. The Education Committee of the NJSSAR will select a recipient from each school level from SAR Chapter nominees. 

Grants are as follows: 

  1. One recipient will be selected as the NJSSAR Reverend John Witherspoon American History Teacher of the Year Grant and will receive potential benefits worth up to $1,500.  The John Witherspoon Grant recipient will be entered into the National Society’s Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award. The national award recipient will receive potential benefits worth up to $5,000.

  2. Two recipients will be selected as NJSSAR William Churchill Houston American History Teacher of the Year Grants and will receive potential benefits worth up to $250. 

  3. A NJSSAR Medal and certificate suitable for framing. 

Entry Procedure

All NJSSAR American History Teacher Grant applicants must complete and include the following information and attach it with the application form:

  1. Applications must be received by the local SAR Chapter representative by December 8th. 

  2. An essay of a minimum of 1000 words, discussing the importance of teaching the American Revolution and providing details of any extraordinary teaching techniques or innovative projects utilized to teach the American Revolution. The essay should also discuss why the applicant wants to attend the Freedom Foundation, Colonial Williamsburg, Jefferson Seminar, or the SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution, and how the teacher would use what is learned at this summer workshop in future classes.

  3. Grant Applicants will download, print and fill out the National Society Application found at the following link and submit with all materials.

  4. Curriculum vitae highlighting the applicant’s educational and professional background. This should include any education-related awards or recognition received. The applicant may also include any community organizations in which he or she is involved, and any awards or recognition received from those organizations. Activities in which the applicant has participated since he or she began his or her professional career will be particularly useful to the judges.

  5. Include signed letters of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor and/or principal stating why the applicant is qualified for this grant. Additionally, supplemental letters of recommendation from those who have firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s teaching techniques may also be submitted.

  6. Applicants will submit a photograph with their application, which may be used by the SAR to publicize the recipient’s award. The photograph will not be returned.

  7. A signed and dated “Release & Discharge of Responsibility Form” must be submitted with the application.

  8. All application materials shall be submitted digitally on 8 ½” x 11” standard paper and submitted by email to their local NJ Society Chapter President listed at this link, with a cc to NJSSAR Education Committee member, Roger S. Williams at roger@PrincetonSAR.org  

Grant Requirements

  1. Applicants in this contest agree that the interpretation of the rules and decisions by the judges and the SAR shall govern without exception.

  2. One-half of the prize will be a cash award for personal and unrestricted use. All recipients will receive an IRS Form 1099 got taxable cash prizes.

  3. One half of the prize will be a credit for the purchase of educational supplies for the classroom directly related to the American Revolution. Reimbursement for supplies is not considered a taxable gift and an IRS Form 1099 will not be sent to the recipient. 

  4. All recipients will be sent a form explaining the expense reimbursement rules along with an expense claim form. It will also include information about contacting the approved seminars. Additionally, it will include reimbursement guidelines as to acceptable classroom supplies and educational materials.

  5. Any recipient is not eligible to participate in subsequent contests. Although no teacher may win a second grant, unsuccessful applicants may continue to apply for subsequent contests.

  6. An applicant must submit an application for this grant through the SAR Chapter and State Society in which the school campus is located and where the teacher is employed. The teacher may live in an adjoining state, but the application must be submitted through the State Society where the school campus is located.

Requirements for the National Award

  1. Applicants agree that they will submit a report of their attendance at a workshop/seminar to the SAR no later than 30 days following the completion, discussing their experience and how they will utilize that in their classroom. The winning applicant also agrees he or she will be available, schedule permitting, to attend an annual NSSAR Congress or Leadership Meeting to report on his or her experience. It is understood that if the NSSAR extends an invitation to the recipient to attend, the recipent’s travel and lodging expenses will be paid by SAR, subject to the reimbursement guidelines of this grant.

  2. The national grant is specifically for graduate programs in the American Revolution and is not redeemable for its monetary value. If the grant recipient is unable to attend an educational seminar during the year in which the grant is presented, the recipient may attend in a subsequent year. The recipient must attend a seminar within 24 months after the grant is announced, or the grant will be forfeited.