The National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) is now accepting applications for the Elizabeth “Libby” Kingseed Teaching with Deliberation Memorial Award at this time.

The Elizabeth “Libby” Kingseed Teaching with Deliberation Memorial Award recognizes the commitment that she had to civic education, especially her support of teacher networking, experimentation, and reflection on the use of deliberation in the classroom. We anticipate presenting up to three awards to eligible K-12 educators engaged in deliberative practices. 

This $500 award is open to any K-12 teacher who is inspired to implement deliberation or deliberative pedagogy in the classroom and who is new to using the practices. The teacher should have a demonstrated commitment to fostering the civic development of students, though it is not necessary that they be a civics or social studies teacher. All K-12 teachers are encouraged to apply. 

In addition to completing an application, candidates will be asked to provide: 

1. A plan for how deliberation will be used to support student learning, including the resources that will be needed and a draft unit plan. 
2. An identified mentor OR evidence of completion of a course or workshop focused on deliberation or deliberative pedagogy 
3. Prior to the end of the grant period, awardees will be required to submit a two-page written reflection on what they did and what they learned. 
4. Libby Kingseed was a program officer, and archivist at the Kettering Foundation. Libby was a passionate leader of the foundation’s K-12 civic education research. She worked closely with teachers using National Issues Forums in the classroom. Libby recognized the need for civic education to be included in the education of children in order to help them understand how to be active, engaged citizens in the future. 

Application Process

1. March 2, 2020: NIFI will begin accepting applications 
2. April 13, 2020: Deadline for applications
3. June 1, 2020: Applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision
4. Grant Period: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021

This grant is not open to organizations. The $500 annual award will be granted to an individual.          
Click here to complete the online application form. If you have questions, please contact Darla Minnich dminnich@nifi.org.