Virginia teacher wins national civics award and $5,000 prize

Rachel Morrison, an 11th grade U.S. history teacher at Goochland High School in Virginia, has been named the Bill of Rights Institute’s National Civics Teacher of the Year for 2026-2027. The honor, announced after a nationwide search and surprise school celebration, includes a $5,000 prize and spotlights her work connecting civic education to students’ communities.

Why it matters: - Rachel Morrison’s award spotlights the growing focus on civic education and how schools can help students practice self-government, civil dialogue and community engagement. - The recognition also puts a national spotlight on Goochland High School and the role teachers play in connecting classroom learning to real-world citizenship.

What happened: - The Bill of Rights Institute named Rachel Morrison the National Civics Teacher of the Year for the 2026-2027 school year. - Bill of Rights Institute representatives surprised Morrison with the award at Goochland High School on October 19. - The honor includes a $5,000 prize. - Morrison teaches 11th grade U.S. history at Goochland High School in Goochland, Virginia.

The details: - Morrison was selected after a nationwide search that invited teachers, students, parents and community members to nominate civics teachers. - Nominees submitted essays, and ten finalists took part in interviews about how they make civics meaningful for students. - Morrison uses historical simulations, role-playing and civil dialogue to teach the American story. - Her classes ask students to examine competing perspectives, confront difficult chapters of U.S. history and connect founding principles to present-day citizenship responsibilities. - Morrison founded and directs the GHS Veterans Project. - The project connects students with local veterans through interviews, school and community events, memorial visits and leadership opportunities. - The program preserves veterans’ stories and helps students build intergenerational relationships. - Morrison said she wants students to understand why democratic ideals matter, recognize that American history is complicated and unfinished, and feel empowered to contribute to their communities and democracy.

Between the lines: - The award reflects a broad definition of civics teaching that goes beyond test prep and into applied participation in public life. - Morrison’s veterans project shows how civic education can be tied to local memory, service and community identity. - Bill of Rights Institute Chief Program Officer Stan Swim said Morrison represents civic education that starts in the classroom and extends into communities. - Swim said Morrison helps students apply civic knowledge, principles and skills beyond the classroom to strengthen ties among Americans.

What's next: - Morrison will carry the National Civics Teacher of the Year title for the 2026-2027 school year. - The Bill of Rights Institute will continue promoting the award and its work in history and civic education through its programs and resources. - More information on the award is available here. - The Bill of Rights Institute also directs readers to its website for more information.