BOONE, Iowa—Boone High School’s Alicen Morley was selected as the 2018 National Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the year by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). The NCSS recognizes teachers each year and presents awards at their annual conference which is held in Chicago this December. Selected as the Iowa Council of Social Studies (ICSS) Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2017, she was eligible to be nominated for the national award.

At Boone High School, Alicen Morley teaches a variety of classes in the  Social Studies Department: DMACC Intro to US Government and Politics, DMACC Western Civilizations I, AP Psychology, and American History II. Under her leadership, students have learned the applications of knowledge learned in her classes, and the number of students taken the AP exam and being successful has grown considerable. She has taught at Boone High School since 2014. Alicen Morley also oversees the RSVP (Raising Student Voice and Participation) group.

Dr. Jill Janes, Director of Innovative Learning for the Boone Community School District says, “Not only does Alicen’s teaching engage students in high levels of thinking, but she does so with a dramatic, creative spin that serves as a hook for student learning. Holding March Madness style debates over the most significant Supreme Court cases, organizing a mock presidential election with town-hall debates, and recreating a 1920’s speakeasy are just a few of the learning experiences that Ms. Morley has created to engage students in social studies. A stop in Alicen’s classroom will ultimately find students actively researching, discussing, debating, or presenting their thinking.”

Morley says, “It has been a goal of mine to improve the way that the social sciences has been taught, and I think this award indicates that I’m heading in the right direction to achieve that goal. I am extremely honored and grateful to work in a district that recognizes and celebrates exciting new innovations in teaching and allows me the freedom to grow as an educator. I am also thankful to be a member of such amazing organizations like the APA TOPSS program, ICSS, and NCSS all of which have provided wonderful opportunities and supports that have enhanced my classroom. I am also incredibly grateful to Stefanie Wager and the Iowa Department of Education who have invited me to participate in many incredible opportunities to broaden my horizons on social studies, standards, and assessment.

Honestly, I am still surprised that I am receiving it. There are so many amazing educators out there that it is hard to believe I was considered one of the best in the nation. I am always learning so much from so many that I didn’t think my portfolio was developed enough so I was definitely taking a chance, here. Then again, I said that about the ICSS Teacher of the Year award, too. I’m so honored and humbled that this number of people would acknowledge my skills. Thank you so much to everyone that has supported me through my career, and especially the Boone community for welcoming this native New Yorker into their schools. I am honored to represent even a small slice of the amazing things happening in this district and this great city. “

Alicen Morley, 2018 National Social Studies Secondary Teacher of the Year

(contributed article and photo, BCSD)