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.