The two NCSS Outstanding Secondary Social Studies Teachers of the Year awards are sponsored annually by McDougall Littell. The award requires that the teachers demonstrate exceptional abilities: developing or using instructional materials creatively and effectively; incorporating innovative instructional strategies; demonstrating the ability to foster a spirit of enquiry; and encouraging the development of democratic beliefs, values, and skills needed to become effective citizens. Candidates must teach social studies regularly and systematically in a school setting, or at least half time in a departmentalized school setting.

This year, both award-winning teachers will present sessions at the NCSS conference, on Friday Nov. 18, sharing their teaching methods with other delegates. Cook will present a session on "Preparing Students for Success in an Inquiry Based Classroom," at 3 p.m. and Turner will present a session titled "Lost in Translation" on student experiences with historical thinking, at 1:45 p.m.

Some 4,000 social studies professionals are expected to attend this year's conference. The conference is the largest gathering of social studies educators in the country. The theme of the conference is "Social Studies: The Heart of the Curriculum." For further information visit the NCSS website at http://www.socialstudies.org

Karen Cook Cook teaches at Norwich Free Academy and has been teaching social studies for 11 years. Maureen Podvarney describes Cook as "energetic, positive, creative and well versed in her subjects." "What really sets Karen Cook apart from other teachers is her desire to develop a sense of civic responsibility among her students," she says. "She makes students aware of the importance of their role in their community and the need to become life long learners."

Cook believes that social studies provide a unique opportunity in education to develop critical enquiry skills. She aims to challenge students and encourage them to learn a process of historical enquiry, which will teach them how to objectively assess information and draw conclusions.

We know what we think happened in the past, but how reliable are the sources? How have historians reached these conclusions and how do these opinions differ? Why do historians think what they do? These are all questions that Cook raises with her students.

Through the same enquiry methods students are encouraged to examine current events. Looking at why events might have happened and by relating them to historical events, students can begin to understand the events in a fuller context. Cook said, "In this way students develop critical skills and achieve ownership of their own learning."

Cook uses every opportunity to educate her students. On their birthdays each student gets a 'special' voter registration card as a birthday card. This provides an opportunity to discuss the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and see the importance of civic participation in a democracy. Cook considers that her students are not just learning history but are learning to be responsible participants in a democracy and the world.

Cook's professional career has gone way beyond that of just a teacher. Mary Kelly, president of Connecticut Council for Social Studies (CCSS), said, "Her professional career has been devoted to improving teaching and learning. She has impacted students on local, state and national levels." Her passion for social studies and enthusiasm for teaching is inspirational to those around her.

Cook has a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Social Studies Education and a Master's of Arts degree in Education from the University of Connecticut. She has been awarded the 2003 - 2004 District Teacher of the Year award, by Norwich Free Academy and the 2004 Excellence in Social Studies Education award by the CCSS.

Marc Turner Marc Turner is a teacher, who is both interested and dedicated, not only in teaching social studies, but also in improving the way that it is taught. He teaches and coordinates the social studies curriculum at Ridge View High School and Blythewood High School, and he has also presented to a variety of audiences on teaching methods, classroom research and the impact of curriculum reform.

Through the use of a variety of methods Turner engages students in learning. Each year his international relations students get the chance to participate in a model United Nations simulation. As students participate in the council, through research, debate and collaboration they begin to understand the importance of the UN in solving humanitarian, health and political problems.

Turner has a thirst for knowledge, which he passes on to his students. He encourages students to be leaders in their classes. Students are trained to scour newspapers and seek out current events, taking turns to select stories, lead class discussions, and raise questions about controversial topics. This not only makes the students more directly involved in their learning, but also improves their discussion skills and encourages them to question and gain a better understanding of what happens in the world around them.

He is a teacher who is constantly learning and constantly trying to find new ways to challenge students, and help other teachers challenge their students. Tara Sides, president of South Carolina Social Studies Council (SCSSC), said, "his passion for social studies and the lasting impact he has on students, make him an outstanding teacher."

Turner has a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and History from the University of Boston, a Master's of Arts in teaching from the University of South Carolina (USC) and he is currently working on his doctorate in Secondary Education also at the USC Turner has received the 2004 Teacher of Excellence award, from SCSSC and 2004 Teacher Recognition award from the Presidential Scholars' Program.

Founded in 1921, the National Council for Social Studies has grown into the largest association in the country for social studies professionals, with 26,000 members in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries. Membership includes K-16 classroom teachers, curriculum supervisors and specialists, curriculum writers and designers, and teacher educators. The NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for K-16 teachers of civics, history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology and law-related education. Social studies is the integrated study of social sciences and humanities to promote civic confidence. Visit the NCSS website at http://www.socialstudies.org.

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Silver Spring, Md. - Oct. 24, 2005 - The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) named Nancy Muller, of St. Peter Catholic School, Kirkwood, Mo., Outstanding Middle Level Social Studies Teacher of the Year. Muller will be honored with an award of $2,500 at the 85th NCSS Annual Conference in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 18. The conference is the largest gathering of social studies educators in the nation.

Muller will present a session at the conference demonstrating her teaching methods, 'Primary Sources and Community Resources - The Heart of the Lesson,' which will show delegates how to engage students through the use of primary sources. The session will be held at 1:45-2:45 p.m, Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Kansas City Convention Center.

Scholastic Inc. is the sponsor of the monetary award and the Social Studies Teacher of the Year Awards Reception, which will be held in the Kansas City Marriot Downtown, Nov. 18, at 6.30 p.m. As part of the award sponsorship, Scholastic will provide Muller a classroom subscription to Junior Scholastic Teachers Magazine(r) and will feature an article about her.

The NCSS Social Studies Middle Level Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually, recognizing exceptional social studies teachers. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional ability in developing or using instructional materials creatively and effectively; incorporating innovative instructional strategies and techniques; and demonstrating the ability to foster the development of democratic beliefs, values, and skills needed to be effective citizens.

Muller's classes are about much more than just observing, her instruction is designed to help children recognize that they can make a difference, encouraging them to get involved as citizens. During the 2004 presidential campaign her classes prepared letters to their senators, sharing their three wishes for America. After the election she forwarded their letters to their senators and to President Bush.

She encourages students to find newspaper articles that address citizen's rights and to bring them to class, prepared to discuss how these rights are protected in the Constitution. This experience connects what they are learning about the Constitution to real life situations.

Muller has taught for 32 years, and has never stopped learning or implementing new teaching methods. Daniel Bauer, principal of St. Peter Catholic School says, "She makes American history interesting, alive, and enjoyable." For Muller's students, history is a hands on activity, whether that means looking at primary sources, using literature, plays, skits, or going on field trips.

Muller's teaching often extends beyond the classroom and into the community. One of her favorite projects is "Everyone has a story to tell." Students interview someone who is at least two generations older. They create the questions, conduct the interview, and present their stories to the class. She said, "It enables students to connect with someone who they otherwise may simply consider an 'old person.' It enables the students to see that history is about ordinary people."

As social studies coordinator for her school, Muller is always trying to organize faculty outings to museums and workshops, but she doesn't just attend these events, she becomes a part of them. She was a member of the Missouri Historical Society's curriculum committee helping to develop the national exhibit for the anniversary of Lewis and Clark and the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition. Muller created a thematic unit on Women for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Exhibition. Muller is also a founding member of the Missouri Council for History Education.

Muller has a B.A. from St. Louis University and received the 2005 Missouri Council for the Social Studies Middle School Teacher of the Year Award.

Nearly 4,000 social studies professionals are expected to attend the 2005 NCSS conference in November. The theme of this year's conference is Social Studies: The Heart of the Curriculum. For further information visit the NCSS website at http://www.socialstudies.org.

Founded in 1921, the National Council for Social Studies has grown into the largest association in the country for social studies professionals, with 26,000 members in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries. Membership includes K-16 classroom teachers, curriculum supervisors and specialists, curriculum writers and designers, and teacher educators. The NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for K-16 teachers of civics, history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology and law-related education. Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Visit the NCSS website at http://www.socialstudies.org.

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Silver Spring, Md., Oct. 24, 2005 - The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) named Iris Aschenbrand, a fourth grade teacher from Hunt Meadows Elementary School, in Easley, S.C., Outstanding Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year.

The award comes as no surprise to her pupils and colleagues who describe her as someone who lives and breathes social studies. Aschenbrand will be honored at the 85th NCSS Annual Conference Nov. 17-20 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown in Kansas City, Mo. She will receive a commemorative gift and a $2,500 award. The Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year Awards Reception will be held Friday, Nov. 18, at 6.30 p.m., sponsored by Scholastic Inc.

Aschenbrand will present a session at the conference on various ways to spark her students‚ interests in social studies. The workshop, 'It's In the box,' will be held Saturday Nov. 19 12:30-1:30 p.m.

The award is presented annually to recognize exceptional social studies teachers. The candidates must demonstrate exceptional abilities in developing and using instructional material creatively and effectively; show that they incorporate innovative instructional strategies and techniques into their teaching; be able to demonstrate the ability to foster a spirit of inquiry; and encourage the development of democratic beliefs, values, and skills needed to become effective citizens.

Aschenbrand said, "I try to instill in my students that they hold the key to a truer democracy, a stronger nation, and better world. By studying great individuals, many with humble roots, I hope they will begin to understand that they don't have to be, and should not consider being, a mediocre American or world citizen." She added, "Everyday I face the challenge of realizing that the leaders of tomorrow are sitting in front of me."

Aschenbrand brings history to life for her students, as she turns her classroom into a living museum. Each year she hosts a potlatch (a custom some Native American tribes practice to show their wealth to their guests) to celebrate Native American culture. Both pupils and teachers dress in costume, play Native American games, and sample traditional cuisine. Students immerse themselves in history and culture, not just by reading what life was like for people, but also by getting a chance to experience it.

Later in the year, she turns the classroom into a living museum, where the children themselves are exhibits. The children research their favorite historical figures from the Civil War and come dressed in character and prepared to teach the other children about who that person is.

One of the children's favorite activities is the treasure chest, where they can discover history. The students love picking items out of the box that tell stories of the time they are discovering. The "Native American treasure chest" contains maps, books, gold nuggets, pottery, baskets, dream catchers, beads, and often items they can keep like a gold ring or a field trip ticket.

Aschenbrand's enthusiasm for teaching reflects her own love of learning. She is continually improving her knowledge and her teaching style. She is a member of a panel assisting the South Carolina Oversight Committee and a panel assisting the Buros Institute for Assessment on social studies curriculum. She shares her teaching expertise with others and is currently helping to create a database to share lesson plans with other teachers.

Nancy Prince, principal at Hunt Meadows Elementary, said Aschenbrand is a "master teacher, grant writer, workshop speaker, advisor teacher, mentor, and committee member. Iris Aschenbrand tirelessly serves her students, the staff, her district, and her state."

Aschenbrand has been teaching for 30 years. She has a Bachelor of Science, from Bob Jones University in South Carolina and a Master's in Education from Columbia College, Columbia, S.C. She was awarded the 2004 South Carolina Social Studies Elementary Teacher of Excellence Award.

Nearly 4,000 social studies professionals are expected to attend the 2005 NCSS Annual Conference. The NCSS conference is the largest gathering of social studies educators in the nation. This year's central theme will be "Social Studies: The Heart of the Curriculum." For more information visit the NCSS website at http://www.socialstudies.org.

Founded in 1921, the National Council for the Social Studies has grown into the largest association in the country for social studies professionals, with 26,000 members in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries. Membership includes K - 16 classroom teachers, curriculum supervisors and specialists, curriculum writers and designers, and teacher educators. The NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for K - 16 teachers of civics, history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology and law-related education. Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.

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