SouthCoast Teacher Honored with National Teaching America250 Award

A SouthCoast educator has just received national attention.

Tiverton Middle School's own Christine Costa is one of the 51 recipients of the Teaching America250 Awards. The sixth grade Social Studies teacher has been inspiring middle schoolers on the SouthCoast for more than 30 years.

From mock trials to the National Civics Bee, Costa is always looking for new, interesting ways to keep her students engaged.

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She and her fellow award winners will now "develop and implement engaging educational projects focused on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence."

“The Teaching America250 Award winners are introducing the next generation to the essential ideas, stories, and documents of America’s civic tradition,” said Hans Zeiger, President of the Jack Miller Center, the organization behind the award.

What Do the Winners Receive?

In addition to being recognized by the Jack Miller Center, the K-12 civics and history teachers will get some generous funding for future projects.

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Each award winner will get $5,000 for school projects that engage students "with the history of America’s founding and the ideals of the Declaration."

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Project Description

Costa's goal is to have her students participate in a number of events linking themselves to the actions of colonists 250 years ago. This includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence outside Newport’s Colony House, a planting of a Liberty Tree and a trip to the Rhode Island Supreme Court and State Archives.

“Through their projects, these amazing educators will make America’s 250th birthday a memorable experience for thousands of students across the country," Zeiger said.