the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Louisville KY , on June 20, 2023, The National Society, Sons of the American Revolution, awarded Robert N. Schulte the Dr. Tom and Betty Lawrence Middle School History Teacher of the Year Award. Mr. Schulte teaches 8th grade Social Studies at Reynolds Middle School, Hamilton (Mercer) Township School District. Focusing on American History from Colonization through Reconstruction, his work inspires the cause of educating our youth about our founding history. Rob is a reenactor who participates annually in Washington’s Crossing and battles at Trenton and Princeton. He also works with the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati to present professional development on teaching the American Revolution to teachers nationwide, both online and in person. Mr. Schulte has also led seminars at the National Council for Social Studies on the importance of teaching the history of the American Revolutionary era. With this award, Mr. Schulte receives a cash award and grant funds worth up to $5,000.
Judge Thomas Lawrence of the Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and Chair of the Teacher of the Year Award Committee explained, “Rob is an inspiration to his students and a role model to his fellow educators. The SAR proudly recognizes his efforts and dedication to teaching our nation’s youth about our founding principles.”
With his grant funds, Rob Schulte elected to attend the Sons of the American Revolution Annual Conference on the American Revolution. Rob explains,” The Conference on the American Revolution gave me the opportunity to meet with and learn from some of the most accomplished historians in the nation. I am so excited to take that knowledge back to my students and help guide their understanding and appreciation of the American Revolution so that they can continue the Revolution’s goals of liberty and equality. I am eternally grateful to the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution for this great honor and opportunity to develop personally and professionally as an educator and historian.”
Roger S. Williams, State Historian and Chair of the Education Committee for the New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution, relates, “When we received Rob’s application for the New Jersey Society’s John Witherspoon Teacher Grant Program, the Board of Managers voted unanimously to submit his materials to the National Society for the Lawrence Teacher of the Year Award. Rob’s essay “Why Study History,” is a master class from a dedicated educator that understands how understanding our past, and our founding principles can empower all students to contribute to society and work together for the common good.” Rob’s essay is available for download at www.njssar.org/schulte
About the SAR: National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR or SAR) was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. SAR is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and promoting education for future generations. SAR members volunteer untold hours of service each year in their local communities. SAR is very active in assisting veterans. We proudly assist teachers with living history interpreters, lesson planning materials, and reenactment events for school-aged youth to attend. As one of the largest male societies in the country, SAR boasts tens of thousands of active members in over 550 chapters across the United States and internationally. Any male 18 years or older-regardless who can prove blood lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. The SAR does not restrict membership on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, the nation of citizenship, or residency. More information can be found at SAR.org
About the NJSSAR: On March 7, 1889, was formed in Newark, NJ by William Osborn McDowell. The Elizabethtown Chapter was the first organized chapter for the national society. McDowell subsequently worked with six women to organize the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, on July 29, 1890. The New Jersey Society now has thirteen chapters and over 750 members. More information can be found at NJSSAR.org
