(From left) Shannon Gormley, RI Secretary of State Greg Amore, and Crystal Bozigian (Courtesy of the RI Secretary of State’s Office)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Two high school history teachers were recognized Monday for their work educating students about civic duty and empowering them to change the world.
Central High School teacher Shannon Gormley and North Providence High School teacher Crystal Bozigian were both named this year’s Rhode Island City Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Gormley and Mr. Bozigian are both professors in the history department and teach a variety of civics-based classes.
“Civics is important to me because it is the foundation of our democracy,” said Gormley, who has worked as an educator for more than 14 years. “This work teaches us the importance of citizens being informed and participating, advocating for social justice, and standing up for what is right. By understanding how policy is determined, we can actively participate in shaping our country’s future.”
“Winning this Citizenship Award reaffirms my commitment to becoming an active and responsible citizen,” she continued. “It motivates me to continue learning about civics, advocate for causes I believe in, and encourage others to get involved in the community.”
(From left) Shannon Gormley, RI Secretary of State Greg Amore, and Crystal Bozigian (Courtesy of the RI Secretary of State’s Office)
Ms. Gormley was nominated for the award by one of her students. The student said Ms Gormley “always does her best to make sure all students feel valued, heard and seen.”
“I learned a lifelong lesson [from Gormley] I will never forget that,” the student wrote when nominating her.
Meanwhile, Bozigian was nominated by a fellow teacher at North Providence High School.
“When I think of the educators who are active on the front lines of civics education, [Bozigian] It’s at the top of the list,” the teacher wrote. “Her involvement in politics and civics education made me want to be a better teacher.”
“Democracy is not a spectator sport. Students need to understand their role as informed, responsible and engaged citizens,” Bozigian explained. “Our students are our future, and I am honored to teach them and learn with them every day in the classroom and throughout our community.”
R.I. Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green said Gormley and Bozigian “both have made a lasting impact on our students.”
“[Their] “This study shows how a well-rounded civics education can empower students to make concrete, positive contributions in their communities,” Infante-Green said.
Six teachers were nominated for the award this year, the other four being Jodi Mangiaratti and Robert Petrucci of East Greenwich High School, Abby Fife of Moses Brown School and Ryan Hall of Davis Career and Technical High School.
Last year, the state’s first Civic Education Teacher of the Year award was presented to E-Cubed Academy history teacher John Healy.
