Anyone may nominate; deadline is June 15
Do you know a Vermont teacher who has inspired you and who deserves statewide recognition? The Vermont Humanities Council seeks nominations for its Victor R. Swenson Humanities Educator Award, which recognizes a Vermont educator in grades six through 12 who exemplifies excellence in the teaching of the humanities. Nominating letters are due June 15.
VHC seeks an educator who inspires his or her students and encourages in them intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. The teacher should possess extraordinary knowledge, ability, and accomplishment in the teaching of language, literature, history, social studies, or other humanities fields. The educator should exhibit infectious enthusiasm for his or her subject and learning in general, and embody a commitment to the highest standards of achievement, for him or herself and students.
The award is named for Victor Swenson, VHC’s first executive director, whose 28 years of service helped nourish the humanities across the state. Since 2003, the Vermont Humanities Council has honored teachers with the award.
“The Vermont Humanities Council is pleased to honor outstanding Vermont teachers in the humanities, teachers who challenge and inspire their students, who open up for them the world of ideas, and who help them know the joy of learning,” said VHC Executive Director Peter Gilbert. “They are civic heroes. In honoring one such teacher each year, we pay tribute to all the fine teachers in Vermont, and we honor the important work they do.”
The recipient will receive a $1,000 check and public recognition at VHC’s fall conference on Nov. 5 at UVM’s Dudley Davis Center. Last year’s winner was Burr & Burton Academy teacher Sunny Wright.
The nomination process begins with a letter of nomination due at VHC’s Montpelier office by June 15. (Individuals may not nominate themselves.) Nominations may be made online at vermonthumanities.org/swenson or mailed to Vermont Humanities Council, Victor R. Swenson Humanities Educator Award, 11 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 or e-mailed to info@vermonthumanities.org. For details on the nomination process, visit vermonthumanities.org/swenson.
