2009 John Marshall Foundation Teacher Award Eligibility and Criteria

The John Marshall Foundation is currently seeking nominations for the 2009 John Marshall Foundation Teacher Award.

Eligibility and Criteria
Any public or private middle or high school classroom teacher in Virginia who has been teaching for a minimum of five years is eligible for the award. Each winner will be selected on the basis of his or her demonstrated knowledge of and enthusiasm for the United States Constitution as evidenced through activities inside and outside of the classroom. Each nominee must submit a personal statement that relates his or her teaching to John Marshall and his legacy. Unsuccessful nominees from prior years may re-apply; however, a new nomination package must be submitted. Previous winners of the award are not eligible.

Award
A $2,500 award will be presented to the middle school winner and to the high school winner.

Timetable
Nominations must be postmarked by Friday, March 27, 2009. Awards will be presented on May 1, 2009 during a special ceremony at the John Marshall House in Richmond, Virginia, followed by a presentation at the Richmond Bar Association’s Law Day Luncheon.

Nomination
Nominations may be made either by self-nomination or by a nominator. A nomination package consists of a completed nomination form, with the two required letters and a personal statement described below. An additional third letter from a former student or parent of a former student is strongly encouraged. The letters should be short (one to two single-spaced typed pages each, 12 pt. font, with no attachments or enclosures), and should provide concrete examples rather than generalized endorsements.

The Personal Statement:
All nominees (whether self-nominated or nominated by a third party) must submit a personal statement that relates his or her teaching to John Marshall and his legacy.

The Required Letters should come from the following sources:

  • Current area supervisor (e.g., department chairman) or a fellow educator.
    This letter should include specific examples of the nominee’s knowledge of and enthusiasm for the Constitution, as evidenced by activities inside and outside of the classroom, along with information on the nominee’s methodology, ability, and success in communicating knowledge and enthusiasm for the United States Constitution to students.
  • The nominee (for self-nominations) or the nominator (for third-party nominations). Please note, both self-nominees and third-party nominees are also required to submit the personal statement.
    This letter should address all of the above- mentioned criteria, including at least one tested teaching idea as it relates to teaching the United States Constitution.
The Optional Letter should come from the following sources:
  • A former student or parent of a former student.
    This letter should focus on the nominee’s role in the classroom and school and his or her achievements as an educator.

Three copies of each nomination package (nomination form plus personal statement and attached letters) must be submitted before the March 2, 2007 deadline to:

The John Marshall Foundation
c/o Brian L. Hager, Esq.
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP
Riverfront Plaza, East Tower
951 East Byrd Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-4074

Judging
Nominations will be judged by a panel of the John Marshall Foundation Board and others convened for this purpose. The mechanics of judging and the ultimate decision on the Award are within the sole discretion of the John Marshall Foundation. The Foundation reserves the right to alter the terms of this announcement, the award, and eligibility and criteria without further notice as it deems appropriate.