Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year

NCSS honors excellence in the social studies classroom with its Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Level Teacher of the Year Awards.

Recipients are awarded a sum of $2,500, a one-year comprehensive membership to NCSS, and are honored at a special event at the NCSS Annual Conference (up to $500 in travel and lodging support is provided).

Applications for the Teacher of the Year Awards are currently closed as of September 15, 2023.

NCSS Research Awards

NCSS and the NCSS Research Community sponsor three annual research awards designed to recognize substantive scholarly inquiry in social studies education:

• Larry Metcalf Exemplary Dissertation Award

• NCSS Exemplary Research Awards

• Jean Dresden Grambs Distinguished Career Research Award

NCSS Research Awards Applications are currently closed as of September 15, 2023.

NCSS Outstanding Service Award

The NCSS Outstanding Service Award recognizes and honors one or more NCSS members for outstanding long-term service to NCSS and a local, state, and regional council.

Award winners receive a plaque or other appropriate recognition and will be granted lifetime membership in NCSS. 

Award for Global Understanding Given in Honor of James M. Becker

Sponsored by the Longview Foundation

The Award for Global Understanding Given in Honor of James M. Becker recognizes notable contributions in helping social studies students increase their understanding of the world.

The award includes a $2,000 cash award, a session to present at the NCSS annual conference, complimentary NCSS conference registration, and up to $700 in transportation/lodging reimbursement.

Applications for the Award for Global Understanding Given in Honor of James M. Becker are currently closed as of September 15, 2023.

Grant for the Enhancement of Geographic Literacy 

Sponsored by GENIP

The NCSS Grant for the Enhancement of Geographic Literacy was created to promote geography education in the schools; to enhance the geographic literacy of students at the classroom, district, or statewide level; and to encourage the integration of geography into the social studies curriculum/classroom.

Award winners receive $2,500, a commemorative award, and present their work at the NCSS Annual Conference.

Applications for the Grant for the Enhancement of Geographic Literacy are currently closed as of September 15, 2023.

Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Awards

The Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Awards are a collaboration between NCSS and the Kaur Foundation. These awards are designed to recognize the contributions of outstanding educators and administrators who build safe and welcoming classrooms and communities to safeguard civil rights and promote excellence in education empowering all.

• Cultural Literacy Award

• DEI Instructional Innovation Award

• Religious Literacy Award

Applications for the Excellence in DEI Awards are currently closed as of October 30, 2023. 

FASSE Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award

Sponsored by the Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education

In 1986 the Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award was established to help classroom teachers "reach for the stars" and achieve a dream that under ordinary circumstances would not be fulfilled. 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.

Award recipients will get a cash award of up to $2500, a commemorative award, and a presentation session at the NCSS Annual Conference.

Applications for the FASSE Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award will open in late May 2023.

Carter G. Woodson Book Awards

In 1974, National Council for the Social Studies established the Carter G. Woodson Book Award for the most distinguished social science books appropriate for young readers that depict ethnicity in the United States. The purpose of this award is to encourage the writing, publishing, and dissemination of outstanding social science books for young readers that treat topics related to ethnic minorities and relations sensitively and accurately.

Nominations for this award are currently open and will close October 16, 2023.

Septima Clark Book Awards

NCSS established the Septima Clark Book Awards for the most distinguished books appropriate for young readers that depict women's issues globally. First presented in 2019, this award is intended to “encourage the writing, publishing, and dissemination of outstanding social studies books for young readers that treat topics related to women's issues sensitively and accurately.” Books relating to womens issues and the authors of such books rarely receive the recognition they merit from professional organizations. By sponsoring the Septima Clark Book Awards, NCSS gives wide recognition to and encourages these authors and publishers.

Nominations for this award are currently open and will close October 16, 2023.