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These 54 Outstanding Social Studies Teachers of the Year were honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet, an impressive event that recognizes the accomplishments of talented social studies educators across the state.  These award recipients were selected by their county administrators as the “best of the year” and many of these social studies educators had faced a rigorous application process to receive this recognition representing their county at the state level.

These teachers shared the lime-light with other educators who received other awards. The “Global Education Award”, sponsored by ProQuest Learning Systems, was awarded to Summer Kotkin of Lyman High School, in Ovideo, Florida, for her efforts to broaden her students’ perceptions of our world and increase their appreciation of cultural diversity. A $1000 check accompanied her award.

The “Excellence in Teaching History Award”, sponsored by Pearson Prentice Hall, was awarded to Brenda Kay Hardman of George Jenkins High School, in Lakeland, Florida for her work in making history relevant to her students. She received a $500 check with her award.

The Warren Tracy Beginning Teacher Award, sponsored by McDougal-Littell, was given to three educators with fewer than three years of experience in the classroom. The first place winner, receiving $250, was Christina Flake, of Odyssey Middle School in Orlando. Finalists, who received $100 each, were Dawn Dunham of Maitland Middle School in Maitland, Florida, and Mandy Perry of Pinellas Park High School.

Florida Council for the Social Studies also recognized individuals who serve in leadership positions in the area of social studies education. This year, the International Relations Award was given to Agnes Leslie-Ngoma, for her work in global outreach with students within the state university system. The Social Science Professional Award was awarded to Fran Holleran for his multi-faceted leadership roles within the FCSS.

Jason Caros received the Outstanding Leadership Award for his tireless efforts in coordinating FCSS conference programs and presentations, while Susan Fogarty received the Golden Service Award for her years of coordinating the Exhibit Hall for the annual FCSS conferences.

Paul Liles of Florida, was the recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award, for his support of the social studies in his work with mock trials across our state.

The prestigious Doyle Casteel Award, sponsored by Glencoe/McGraw Hill, was awarded to Sally Day, for her many leadership roles in the FCSS, as well as years of service to teachers. She received $500.

Please visit the FCSS website for more information on each of the FCSS awards, as well as next year’s due dates for nomination or submission of