Contest Information

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites middle and high school American history teachers to apply for the Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award. This award recognizes outstanding educators who teach American history, specifically the period of the American Revolution (1750–1800). The award is open to teachers at public, private, or parochial institutions, but homeschool teachers are not eligible. Teachers from any school with an approved curriculum focused on the American Revolution may apply.

Teachers selected at the Chapter level will advance to the State contest, and the State winner will be a finalist for the National Award. The award has separate categories for middle school and high school teachers, with a national winner selected at each level. The national winners will receive professional educational opportunities to further enhance their teaching of the American Revolution.

Eligibility:

  • Open to middle and high school teachers who teach American history as part of their primary duties (e.g., social studies teachers).
  • Applicants must have taught for at least 3 years and be in the early to mid-stages of their teaching career.
  • Teachers nearing retirement are not eligible, as the award is intended for those who can apply what they learn in the long term.
  • Teachers of subjects like music, PE, or JROTC are not eligible unless American history is their primary teaching responsibility.

Application Requirements:

  1. Essay: Submit a 500–1000 word essay describing any innovative teaching techniques or projects used to teach the American Revolution. The essay should also explain why teaching this period is important and how attending a seminar would benefit the teacher’s future instruction.
  2. Letter of Recommendation: One signed letter from the teacher’s immediate supervisor or principal is required.
  3. Submission: All materials must be submitted electronically to the SAR Director of Education at [email protected]. Ensure that handwritten submissions are legible, especially contact details like phone numbers and email addresses.

Awards and Benefits:

  • 1st Place Winner:
    • $3,000 to cover tuition and travel expenses to attend one of the following seminars:
      • Freedoms Foundation Summer Teacher Graduate Workshop (Valley Forge, PA)
      • Colonial Williamsburg Summer Teacher Workshop (Williamsburg, VA)
      • SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution
      • Other seminars may be considered with prior approval.
    • Travel Expenses: The SAR will reimburse reasonable travel expenses (airfare, mileage, room, and board) related to seminar attendance, up to the $3,000 limit.
    • $1,000 Cash Prize: For personal use, taxable (IRS Form 1099 issued).
    • Seminar Report: A 500+ word report or video on how attending the seminar improved the teacher’s ability to teach the American Revolution. This report may be shared with SAR members and posted on the SAR website.
    • SAR National Congress: One past winner each year may be invited to speak at the Youth Awards Luncheon during the SAR National Congress.
  • 2nd Place: $1,000 cash prize.
  • 3rd Place: $500 cash prize.
    • Note: Cash prizes are taxable, and an IRS Form 1099 will be issued for all prizes over $600.

Conditions and Deadlines:

  • Seminar Attendance: Attendance at the seminar is a required condition to receive the cash prize. Winners must complete the seminar within 24 months of being announced, or the award will be forfeited.
  • Submission Deadline:
    • Local SAR Chapters must submit their winners to the State Society by their internal deadline.
    • State Society winners must be submitted to the SAR Director of Education by February 10 of the year following the contest year (e.g., for the 2024 contest year, the submission deadline is February 10, 2025).

Additional Information:

  • The SAR reserves the right to not select a winner in a given year if the judges feel the applicants do not meet the criteria.

Entry Packet (Download)