Social Studies teacher in Coral Springs recognized for innovating work

Coral Springs, Florida – A distinguished teaching honor has been bestowed upon Ramblewood Middle School social studies teacher Annejeanette Washington Collins for her creative efforts in the classroom.

According to a Monday announcement from Broward County Public Schools, Collins has been selected the Dr. Theron Trimble Florida Social Studies Teacher of the Year for Middle School.

The Florida Council, a reputable institution since the 1950s, bestows the recognition for social studies. To raise public awareness of social studies education, the council and the National Council for the Social Studies host yearly conferences.

One of Collins’ most creative teaching methods was a successful postcard writing campaign to NASA. The student letters were launched into orbit by the government space agency and subsequently returned to Coral Springs with the young correspondents.

Collins used a variety of additional inventive strategies to engage pupils with American history, democracy, and the biographies of well-known people.

The award, given to Collins, “recognizes exceptional and innovative teachers for creating meaningful lessons for their students and advocating for social studies education,” the school district said.

“Collins is honored for her passion for bringing lessons to life in her classroom through innovative projects.”

One of three recipients of the 2022 award, which honors exceptional teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools, is Collins.

On October 15, 2022, during the council’s annual meeting in Orlando, the award will be given out.

Collins had already received two awards for Social Studies Teacher of the Year from Broward County Public Schools in addition to the one from Monday. At Ramblewood Middle School, she was also recognized as the best social studies teacher.

Education in social studies is crucial for American democracy, according to Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright, superintendent of Broward County Public Schools.

“Our democracy is dependent upon students receiving outstanding instruction in social studies, which includes an understanding of our country’s history and an appreciation for the rights and freedoms we share as Americans,” the superintendent said.