Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award
Recognizing Outstanding American History Educators (Grades 7–12)The Illinois Society, Sons of the American Revolution (ILSSAR) honors exceptional middle and high school teachers who bring the American Revolution to life in their classrooms. State winners advance to the national competition for additional recognition and support.
Who should apply? Certified American history teachers in grades 7–12 at recognized public, private, or parochial schools who teach the Revolutionary era (approximately 1750–1800). Homeschool-only teachers are not eligible. 

Why Apply
  • Statewide recognition by the Illinois SAR
  • Advancement to Nationals with additional awards and support
  • National winners have received cash stipends and classroom support in recent years. 

How the Contest Works
  1. Local Chapter Selection – Illinois SAR chapters accept and review applications.
  2. Illinois State Selection – Chapter winner packets are forwarded for statewide judging.
  3. National Finalist – The Illinois winner is submitted to the National Society SAR for the final round.

Eligibility (Summary)
  • American history teachers at recognized public, private, or parochial schools
  • Grades 7–12, teaching content focused on 1750–1800 (American Revolution era)
  • Homeschool-only instructors are not eligible
  • Prior state or national winners are typically ineligible to reapply with the same materials (check national rules).

What to Submit (Typical Packet)Please compile a single PDF or folder containing:
  • Completed national application form (see link below)
  • 500–1,000 word essay describing your innovative methods/projects for teaching the American Revolution
  • Signed recommendation letters from your supervisor and/or principal (additional letters welcome)
  • Optional: supporting evidence of classroom impact (student work samples anonymized, links to lesson artifacts, etc., if permitted by your district)
    These elements align with common state/national guidance. Always include the current national application form. 
Download the national program details & application: Use the National SAR page for the most current materials. 

Illinois Deadlines (2025–26 Cycle)
  • Chapter submission window: Set by each chapter (contact your nearest chapter)
  • Deadline to Illinois SAR: December 31 (recommended)
  • National submission window: January (Illinois submits the state winner)
If your school calendar requires flexibility, reach out—Illinois can often accommodate earlier submissions. (Several state societies target Dec 31 so the packet can be finalized in early January.) 

How to Apply (Illinois)
  1. Find your local SAR chapter and email the Youth/Education contact to start your application.
  2. Prepare your packet (see “What to Submit”).
  3. Submit electronically (PDF preferred) to your chapter contact. Chapter winners will be forwarded to the Illinois SAR judging panel.
Illinois SAR Contact (backup): <COMING SOON>

Judging Criteria (What We Look For)
  • Depth and accuracy of Revolutionary era (1750–1800) instruction
  • Innovative, student-centered pedagogy and measurable classroom impact
  • Professionalism, leadership, and community/department contributions
  • Quality and clarity of the application materials and recommendations

Awards
  • Illinois SAR State Winner: Certificate and state-level recognition (cash award at ILSSAR’s discretion—confirm annually)
  • National Level: Additional recognition; recent national winners have received $5,000 plus classroom support. (Amounts and specifics may vary year-to-year—see national site for current details.)

Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need to be an SAR member?
No. The award recognizes teachers, not SAR members.
Which subjects qualify?
Any middle or high-school American history course that includes substantial instruction on 1750–1800 (American Revolution era).
Are homeschool teachers eligible?
No—current rules specify recognized public, private, or parochial institutions only. 
Can I reapply?
If you haven’t previously won at the state or national level, generally yes. Check the current national rules each year.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
At least one signed letter from your supervisor and/or principal; additional letters from those with first-hand knowledge of your teaching are welcome. 

Get Started
  • Step 1: Download the latest application & guidelines from the National SAR page. 
  • Step 2: Contact your nearest Illinois SAR chapter.
  • Step 3: Submit your packet before your chapter’s deadline (recommended by December 31 for statewide consideration).