Jesse Perez, SHS Civics and American Society teacher was awarded the Jack Miller Center Award for Civic Excellence in Education. Perez was the only high school teacher in the country to receive this award for explaining his engaging and educating social studies curriculum. The award was given to one K–12 teacher that could prove that their curriculum would help students succeed in the understanding of civics, specifically the American government.

The application process for the award wasn’t always straightforward, and ended up being filled with complexities. 

“I kept debating about whether I should apply or not,” Perez said. “Then I waited a little bit longer than I wanted to [but during] the last week to apply, I felt like going [through with] it.”

When it came to actually applying, explaining his intentions for his students came naturally.

“I was like ‘I’m gonna go above and beyond this,’” Perez said. “So instead of just sending them like one lesson plan, I sent them the whole unit plan.”

Even though he applied for the award with extra efforts, he was still unsure about the potential outcome. 

“I was very surprised that I won; it was really nice,” Perez said. “When I went to the ceremony they were very kind and gave me a lot of praise. They said kind things about my application.”

Perez’s goals for his students is what made him stand out in his application as he was not short of inspiration and support. 

“I’m mostly inspired by my students,” said Perez. “I’m just really fortunate to have a lot of students who really care, who really work hard. This factor pushed me, as well as my awesome colleagues. I’m super fortunate and happy to be here, and I think that this is a place that gives us the opportunity to continue to grow and pursue.”

Perez believes this award serves as a reminder of what he is passionate about.

“This helps me be a better teacher,” Perez said.“It’s given me opportunities to meet other people who are really great, and just continue to make this curriculum possible.”

Additionally, this award has helped him reflect and improve the way he approaches teaching. 

“I am not a very serious person, but when it comes to helping to educate the youth and the students, I want to do the best that I possibly can,” Perez said. “I don’t think you’re ever done. I tell this to students all the time — ‘You’re never really finished; you’ve just run out of time.’ My goal is to keep making things better until I’m done.”

Reflection and self-correction of the curriculum are not only important to him, but also to his students. In his opinion, giving people opportunities to reflect and collaborate is crucial for development.

“Collaboration is the only way that we can move forward in this country, beyond school work, but also as people,” Perez said. “I think that giving people those [built-in] moments to reflect and collaborate is going to make us even better.”