The Massachusetts Council for Social Studies is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Awards for Excellence in Teaching. The Council presents these awards each year to exceptional educators in a variety of social studies disciplines from across the Commonwealth. Teachers, administrators, and museum educators at all levels are eligible for this honor. The awards are also a recognition of the support that school districts provide for their social studies teachers and for the civic education of their students.
The Council is grateful for all the nominations it reviewed. So many supportive colleagues wrote on behalf of talented educators across our state. Please consider applying in 2026.
The MCSS Awards ceremony will take place at Old Sturbridge Village following the MCSS Spring Conference on March 13th, from 4:30-6:30.
William Spratt Award for Excellence in Teaching Secondary Social Studies
Benjamin Alden – Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, Franklin
Ted Collins – Monument Mountain Regional High School, Great Barrington
William Spratt Award for Excellence in Teaching Middle School Social Studies
Rebecca Duchesneau – North Andover Middle School
Barbara Capron Award for Excellence in Teaching Elementary Social Studies
Fabiane Noronha – King Open School, Cambridge
John Reilly Award for Excellence in Teaching Geography
Amy Corriveau – Hingham Middle School
Don Salvucci Award for Excellence in Promoting Civic Education
Karen Bentley – Albert F. Ford Middle School, Acushnet
Richard Aieta Award for Promising New Teacher
Camille Christian – South End Middle School, Springfield
Recognition of Department Excellence in Teaching Social Studies
Danvers High School Social Studies Department
Charles Mitsakos Award for Outstanding Supervisor
Brooke Kessel – Needham Public Schools
Marena MacLaughlin – Everett Public Schools
Debra Miller Award for Excellence in Museum Education
Old Sturbridge Village
