Educator Shannon Gormley has been named 2024 Rhode Island Civics Education Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: Rhode Island

Congratulations to Shannon Gormley. She has been recognized as one of two educators in the state of Rhode Island who have been named a 2024 Civics Education Teacher of the Year. The other is Crystal Bozigian, a teacher at Rhode Island’s North Providence High School.

Shannon was nominated for the honor by one of her students. The student says that her teacher “always goes above and beyond to make sure every student feels valued, heard, and seen.” The student continued, “I learned lifelong lessons (from the teacher) that I’ll never forget,” the student continued.

Shannon has served in the classroom for more than 14 years. Currently she teaches at Central High School in Providence. There she instructs courses in civics, United States history, community development, and African American studies. She also serves as the Chair of her school’s History Department and as the Student Council Advisor on her campus.

“Civics matters to me because it is the foundation of our democracy. It teaches us the importance of being informed and engaged citizens, advocating for social justice, and standing up for what is right,” declares Shannon. “By understanding how our government works and how policies are made, we can actively participate in shaping the future of our country,” she says.

Shannon earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and Sociology from Rhode Island College in 2010. She is currently pursuing a certification from the ExcEL Leadership Academy, a national program based on best practices for serving English language learners.

The Civics Education Teacher of the Year award honors outstanding teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to and expertise in teaching civics or American government. In selecting the winners, special consideration is given to teachers who employ innovative teaching practices and experiential learning.