Texas SAR
Sons of the American Revolution Patriotism, Education, History

Joining Info

Outstanding American History Teacher Contest
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Application Due to Chapter by December 31

 

The Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence Outstanding American History Teacher Award is the result of a national contest in which local SAR Chapters select their candidates for the State Society Contest (in this case, the Texas SAR) for which there is a State Award.  The winner of the State contest is submitted for consideration at the National (NSSAR) level.

Those teachers whose approved curriculum teaches students about the Revolutionary War era from 1750 to 1800 may enter the Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award Contest.  The award is open to all teachers at the Elementary, Middle, or High school levels at a recognized public, private, or parochial institution.

Both application forms and release forms can be obtained from the NSSAR Tom and Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award page.

 

Texas Society Contest Rules -

General

The NSSAR Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Award rules will apply to the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding American History Teacher.  The Texas Society Outstanding History Teacher will be automatically entered in the NSSAR contest.  The rules are also available on the NSSAR web site www.sar.org under the Education tab.

 

Texas Society Awards

There will only be a first-place winner but there will be 3 contests now; elementary school, middle school, and high school.  We will have a winner in each category.  Each category winner will receive a Certificate and one first place winner will be selected from the three category winners.  The Texas overall winner will have a choice in their award.  They can receive an cash award of $1,500.00 or they can elect to have a week of education experience with all expenses paid by the Texas Society.  It is estimated that this award is worth about $3,500.00.  The winner will receive travel expenses to attend the Texas SAR Convention not to exceed $270.00

Each category winner will be entered in the national contest where National Awards are possible.

 

National Awards

The overall 1st Place winner will receive:

  • Attendance at a teacher workshop or seminar on the American Revolution.
  • $3,000.00 to pay for tuition and travel expenses to attend one of the following teacher seminars:  the Freedoms Foundation Summer Teacher Graduate Workshop at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; the Colonial Williamsburg Summer Teacher Workshop in Williamsburg, Virginia; or the SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution.  Other seminars may be attended provided the SAR provides prior approval in writing.  The tuition for the seminar will be considered a scholarship and will be paid directly to the seminar.

At this time, only the high school and middle school Texas winners will be submitted for consideration at national.  The elementary school winner will be recognized at the state level only.

 

How to Enter

  1. Carefully read the entry rules for the Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award.
  2. Submit the required forms and letters to a local chapter by December 31.
  3. Contact the nearest local SAR chapter by logging on to www.texassar.org or email contest chairman Kermit L. Breed.
  4. The local chapter will judge their entries and send the chapter winner information to Kermit L. Breed who will form a committee to judge the state winner.

 

Entry Package

  1. Complete the Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award entry form.
  2. 500 to 1000 word essay.
  3. One signed letter of recommendation from the principal or supervisor.
  4. One page bio - listing personal and professional accomplishments.
  5. Picture (preferably a head shot)
  6. Release & Discharge form (attached).
  7. All materials must be typed/printed on 8½” x 11” paper.
  8. All materials will remain the property of the NSSAR.

 

Travel Expenses

The Outstanding American History Teacher Contest winners will be reimbursed according to the Travel and Convention Expense Allowance schedule for travel to the Texas SAR state convention.

Award recipients are responsible for any/all other costs including additional meals.  If there are any questions about reimbursements, please contact the Chairman of your respective contest.