MSCSS Awards

Each year the Middle States Council for the Social Studies sponsors numerous awards to recognize the outstanding work by social studies teachers, student teachers, and school programs.   The deadline to submit a nomination was December 18, 2025.

We look forward to recognizing all of our award recipients during our Annual Conference. 

For more information about these awards, please contact Mrs. Hanan Attiyah, MSCSS Awards Chair, at hananattiyah@gmail.com 

Daniel Roselle Award:
Over the course of more than fifty years as an active educator, Dr. Daniel Roselle witnessed many political, social, and technological shifts that prompted civic educators to adapt their class content and develop novel instructional methods. He was known as a creative innovator who felt that social studies education should go beyond the acquisition of knowledge to encourage critical thinking and community involvement. This award seeks to celebrate and honor an individual who best exemplifies the character, qualities and the educational legacy that Dr. Roselle leaves behind.

Collins-Skinner Elementary Award:
This award is presented to an outstanding elementary teacher who emphasizes social studies instruction in the classroom. This award is named for two past members of the Middle States Council, including Past President Leonard Skinner (1963-1964).

Cohen-Jordan Secondary Award:
This award is presented to an outstanding secondary social studies teacher who sets high standards for social studies instruction in a middle or high school classroom. This award is named for two past presidents of the Middle States Council, Bernard Cohen (1996-1998) and Sister Ann Jordan (1992-1994).

Harry J. Carman Award:
This award is presented to an outstanding college professor who supports social studies through effective research, teaching, integrity, service, and professional excellence. This award is named for Dr. Harry J. Carman (1884-1964), a former dean of Columbia University and Past President of MSCSS (1927-1928) in recognition of his persistent fight for high standards in every academic area and his personal example of integrity and service.

Bernice Samalonis Award:
This award is presented to an outstanding pre-service or first-year social studies teacher attending a college or university or teaching in the Middle States region. The award is named for past president of the Middle States Council, Bernice Samalonis (1986-1987) who passed away
in 1987 during her term in office.

Distinguished Service Award:
This certificate is presented to a school, district, institution, community member, or organization who has promoted innovative ideas to support more effective social studies education.

Innovative Civic Engagement Award:
This award honors an outstanding Social Studies educator in DC, Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania who has demonstrated exceptional creativity and commitment in inspiring and mobilizing young voters. This award recognizes a teacher who has employed innovative and effective strategies to engage students in the democratic process, promoting voter registration and participation among youth. 

The following awards are given biennially:

Honor Award: (Even Year)

This award is presented to members of the Middle States Council for the Social Studies Board of Directors who have served with dedication and given unstintingly of themselves to the furtherance of the Council's objectives and goals.

Social Justice Award: (Even Year)

This award is presented to a teacher or program who demonstrate leadership in advocating for all students through equity and inclusion.

Teacher to Teacher Award: (Odd Year)
This award is presented to a teacher who has developed creative classroom experiences for students and shared their innovative ideas with colleagues to expand their impact. The award was created in 1986 to encourage teachers to share their best ideas with colleagues.

Outstanding Communication in Social Studies Award: (Odd Year)
This certificate is presented to an individual or organization that shares communication with social studies educators and supports innovative teaching methods and advances in the field. Communication could take various forms (e.g., newsletters, websites, social media, blogs, publications).

For more information about these awards, please contact hananattiyah@gmail.com