MGA - Sari Bennet Continued

continued... NCSS created the Outstanding Service Award to recognize members for outstanding long-term service to the NCSS and to local, state, and, regional councils.

Bennett has been in the forefront of efforts to promote social science education and geographic literacy. "From the classroom to the national podium, she has been a tireless and incredibly innovative educator whose work has inspired and encouraged all those fortunate to have worked with her," said Sandy Parker, presidential professor and chair of the UMBC Department of Geography and Environmental Systems.

Bennett has been involved with every social studies curriculum and assessment project ever proposed and developed at the Maryland State Department of Education. "Her leadership and guidance in the writing of Maryland State Performance Assessment Program, Grade By Grade Social Studies Content Standards, and The Voluntary State Curriculum have been invaluable," said Marcie Taylor-Thoma, Maryland State Department of Education coordinator of social studies.

Bennett is a member of the Maryland Social Studies Task Force. The task force was appointed by Nancy Grasmick, state superintendent for schools and has been struggling with the issue of the marginalization of social studies.

"Dr. Bennett's service to social studies in Maryland is unparalleled," said Charles Christian, a distinguished professor of geography at Choppin State University in Baltimore and founder, director, and host of the Black Saga Competition, a learning activity that teaches elementary and middle school students about the African American experience.

Bennett has been a strong and unwavering champion of the Black Saga Competition. She has been an active supporter of the competition since its inception in 1992. The competition has been implemented in 110 schools in more than half the counties in Maryland, and next year will expand into several school districts in Virginia, and will be piloted in Hartford, Conn. "The Black Saga Competition owes much of its growth, development, and excellence to Dr. Bennett," said Christian.

Bennett's professional life is marked by service to people, organizations, and programs related to social studies. She is a recognized, highly respected national leader in social studies instruction who has had a profound impact at the local, state, and national levels.

"Her service to others has made difference in many peoples lives," said Karen Muir from the George Fox Middle School in Pasadena, Md,

Over 16 years ago Bennett assumed responsibility for the Maryland Geographic Alliance, a statewide group; under the umbrella of the National Geographic Society. Bennett built this organization into a support network that has provided Maryland educators with badly needed resources, ideas, and lessons.

During her tenure as geographer-in-residence at the National Geographic Society, Bennett was in the forefront of educational reform and was a catalyst for change.

Teachers flock to workshops conducted by Bennett because they know they will come away with well thought out lessons that are easily used in the classroom. Bennett has been a presenter at every Maryland Council for the Social Studies (MDCSS) conference since 1987 and at every NCSS annual conference since 1991.

Bennett has served as the executive director of the MDCSS from 1992 until 1995, and again from 1998 through 2002. She was president of the MDCSS from 1996-1997. Bennett has also served as program co-chair for the annual NCSS conferences in 2001, 2004, and 2006.

Among her many honors, Bennett received the Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award from the National Council for Geographic Education ion 1986, the MDCSS Educator of the Year Award in 1991, the Middle States Council of the Social Studies Distinguished Service Award in 1995, and the Black Saga Completion Distinguished Service Award in 1998.

Bennett earned her Bachelor and Masters degrees in geography from the University of Illinois. She achieved her Ph.D. in secondary social studies education from the University of Illinois.

Over 4,000 social studies professionals are expected to attend the 2006 NCSS Annual Conference in Washington. This year's central theme will be Social Studies: Promise and Practice. For further information visit the NCSS website at http://www.socialstudies.org.

ABOUT NCSS

Founded in 1921, the National Council for Social Studies has grown into the largest association in the country for social studies professionals, with 25,000 members in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries. Membership includes K - 16 classroom teachers, curriculum supervisors and specialists, curriculum writers and designers, and teacher educators. The NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for K - 16 teachers of civics, history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law - related education. Social Studies is the integrated study of social sciences and humanities to promote civic confidence. Visit the NCSS website at http://www.socialstudies.org.