South Carolina Social Studies Teacher of Excellence Award

Formerly the Thomas Lowell “Tom” Buckland Memorial Teachers of Excellence Award

—which includes representatives from the elementary, middle, and high school levels—recognizes outstanding social studies educators across the state. 

Applicants must:

• Be a full-time K–12 teacher actively engaged in classroom instruction

• Hold current membership in SCCSS at the time of application and at the time the award is granted

Recipients will receive:

• A $500 cash award

• A Comprehensive Membership to the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

We encourage dedicated social studies educators to apply and gain the recognition they deserve for their excellence in teaching.

Due June 30, 2025

To apply Click Here! 

SCCSS Lifetime Achievement

This award is given annually to a social studies educator in South Carolina who has made a significant impact to social studies over the course of his or her career.  Please submit the Google Form and we will contact the nominee for further information.  Self nominations are allowed, and this is voted on by the SCCSS Board. 

Link to Google Form https://forms.gle/Xo5yLdnmWTDSGDVX6

Charles F. Vaughan Leadership 

in Social Studies Award

Award includes: 

$500 cash award

Comprehensive membership to the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

Due June 30, 2025

To apply Click Here! 

This award recognizes and honors the accomplishments of a social studies teacher in the area of civil rights/civil liberties. Nominees inspire students to be fully informed about their civil rights and civil liberties assured by the Constitution. This teacher is someone who inspires students to take informed action when they see injustices and to be a responsible contributing member of our democracy. This award serves to honor a person who is striving to continue their work advancing civil rights and civil liberties. The recipient will be recognized at the South Carolina Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference.

Award:

• $200.00 cash award and award from Social Studies School Service.
• Recognition at the SC Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference awards ceremony

To apply click Application for Civil Rights/ Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award 

Civil Rights/ Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award Full Description 

Due June 30, 2025

Must be in the first 2-5 years of career (SC teacher) 

Letter of recommendation from supervising administrator/or principal 

Lesson plan of Social Studies instruction and examples of student work (names removed along with any identifying factors) 

Award includes

$250

NCSS Comprehensive Membership

SCCSS conference registration during award year

Due June 30, 2025

To apply Click Here!

Must be in active preservice in SC 

Letter of recommendation from supervising Professor or teacher 

Lesson plan of Social Studies instruction  and examples of student work (names removed along with any identifying factors) 

Paid registration for conference during award year

Award includes

$100

NCSS Comprehensive Membership

Due June 30, 2025

To apply Click Here!

Gilder Lehrman South Carolina History Teacher 

of the Year

This scholarship is given to an individual who has been a SCCSS member for at least one year and has been selected to present at the annual National Council for the Social Studies conference.  The $200.00 award is intended to help with travel and/or registration costs.  In addition, the board asks that the individual(s) receiving this award present at the SCCSS annual conference.  Submit a resume, session description, and NCSS proposal acceptance email to Awards@sccss.org to be considered for this scholarship.  Scholarship will only be given once.

FASSE: Awards and Grants

Supported by the Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies 

The Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education (FASSE) was created in 1984 by the Board of Directors of the National Council for the Social Studies to support research and classroom application projects which improve social studies education and promote engaged, effective citizens. Today the FASSE board administers several award programs and the fund that supports them.

FASSE is central to our ability to support, recognize, and celebrate members’ pioneering spirit. Their industry and achievements in striving for a world in which social studies education inspires lifelong inquiry and informed civic action. We want to use FASSE as a vehicle for building on the NCSS legacy by investing in research and classroom application projects, as well as a means for nurturing innovation, applauding excellence, and honoring enterprise.

For more information about the NCSS Awards program, click here.