Griswold, CT (May 10, 2022) – Griswold Public Schools is proud to announce that Griswold High School teacher Hannah McNeil has been selected as the recipient of the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies (CCSS) Excellence in Teaching Award for grades 9-12.
The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional Social Studies classroom teachers. Ms. McNeil’s nomination was selected in the Grade 9-12 Category due to her:
- creative development and use of instructional materials
- innovative and effective instructional strategies and use of technology
- professional involvement in activities such as leading the School’s Student Leadership Council, being a part
- of the Social-Emotional Learning Committee, attending conferences, and being an active member of the College Board’s national AP Human Geography network
- development of democratic beliefs and values in her classroom, and the skills needed for citizen participation in classroom, school, and community settings, which aligns with Griswold Public Schools’
- Vision of the Graduate
Ms. McNeil also took the initiative to introduce the Advanced Placement Geography course to GHS, and organize field trips to Washington D.C. and a Human Rights Conference at the University of Connecticut.
McNeil was nominated by the Griswold High School Social Studies’ Academic Team Leader, Mr. Douglas Craig. “Hannah’s students have excelled due to her ability to get students excited about learning, growing, and maximizing their potential. She selflessly gives her time to her students, running extra study sessions and student groups,” he noted. “She models being a lifelong learner, constantly looking for material to add to her courses, and displaying her love for learning to her students. It is wonderful to have a colleague from whom you can learn so much.”
Griswold High School Principal Mrs. Erin Palonen also noted that the school is so fortunate to have Ms. McNeil, and recognized how well-deserved this award is.
As the 2022 winner, McNeil will receive a 1-year membership for CCSS and the National Council for the Social Studies, a plaque, a listing on CCSS’s website, and will be recognized at a future Griswold Public Schools Board of Education meeting.
More information about the award and its criteria can be found at https://www.ctsocialstudies.org/excellence-in-social-studies-education/
About Griswold Public Schools
The Griswold Public Schools offer a comprehensive educational program to approximately 1,700 students in grades Pre-K through 12. This program includes core academics, fine and applied arts, health and fitness, and career pathway offerings as well as special education, remedial support, an alternative high school, and an enrichment program. Griswold Public Schools educates for excellence by ensuring our students are connected, by nurturing individual student talents, and by fostering a future-focused mindset. Learn more at https://griswoldpublicschools.org/