Griswold Public Schools has announced that Griswold High School teacher Hannah McNeil has been selected as the recipient of the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies Excellence in Teaching Award for grades 9-12.

This award recognizes exceptional Social Studies classroom teachers. McNeil was cited for 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.

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, Douglas Craig.

“Hannah’s students have excelled due to her ability to get students excited about learning, growing, and maximizing their potential,” he said in a statement.

Griswold High School Principal Erin Palonen also recognized McNeil’s contributions to GHS.

McNeil 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 ctsocialstudies.org/excellence-in-social-studies-education/.

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