Val Crofts named “Outstanding Teacher of American History” by the Wisconsin DAR
Janesville, Wisconsin -- Val Crofts, longtime Social Studies teacher with the School District of Milton has been selected by the Wisconsin Society - Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as an “Outstanding Teacher of American History.”
Crofts, a resident of Janesville, Wisconsin, has been with the district for over 18 years. He currently teaches AP U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. History and U.S. Military History. Over the past seven years, he also taught several Social Studies courses for the Wisconsin Virtual School. In 2017, Crofts was appointed by then Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan to serve on the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, a national committee tasked with planning the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Crofts is also the creator of Discovering Democracy, an advanced level political science research course, which has taken hundreds of students to conduct research in Washington DC where he and his students have met with Supreme Court Justices, members of Congress, including two Speakers of the House.
The mission of the DAR is to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. As part of the organization’s emphasis on education, the Outstanding Teacher of American History contest honors notable full-time teachers who demonstrate excellence in their field. By their award’s criteria, the recipients must readily share an insightful knowledge of American history, be committed to their students, foster a spirit of patriotism and loyal support of our country, relate history to modern life and events, and require high academic standards from their students.
Milton High School Principal Jeremy Bilhorn feels that Crofts’ recognition is well deserved. “We are very proud of Val Crofts and the entire Social Studies department,” he added. “Val has worked hard to connect with students and brings the joy of learning into his classroom.”
Crofts was endorsed for the state award by the Janesville chapter of the DAR. He will be formally presented with the local chapter’s recognition at an upcoming awards program to be held Saturday, February 8th at 1:30 PM at the Janesville Woman’s Club (108 S. Jackson Street). He will be given the Wisconsin state award at a ceremony on April 18th in Green Bay.
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