Irving Morrissett Award

Irving Morrissett Award for Outstanding Contribution
to Social Science Education

Each year since 2003, the SSEC Board of Directors has presented this award to an SSEC member who has devoted his/her career to improving social studies/social science education.  Criteria for award selection include documented evidence of improving the field, significant scholarly publications, continuing commitment to the field, and continuing commitment to the Social Science Education Consortium.  The award is presented at the annual meeting of the organization. 


2024

James S. Eckenrod (posthumously), past SSEC president, Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) sociologist, Far West Laboratory for Educational Research director, and University of San Francisco professor of education

2023

Linda S. Levstik, Professor Emerita, University of Kentucky, also recipient of NCSS’s Jean Dresden Grambs Distinguished Career Research Award

2022

James A. Banks, Kerry and Linda Killinger Endowed Chair in Diversity Studies Emeritus, founding director of the Center for Multicultural Education, University of Washington

2021

Joseph P. Stoltman, Past SSEC President and Distinguished Professor of Geography & Science Education, Western Michigan University

2020

Michael J. Berson, Past SSEC President and Professor, University of South Florida

2019

James E. Davis, Executive Director Emeritus

2018

Carole L. Hahn, Professor Emerita, Emory University

2017

Charlotte Anderson and Lee Anderson (in memory), American Bar Association, Division of Public Education, Retired

2017

Charles S. White, Independent Scholar, Retired Associate Professor, Boston University

2016

Sharryl H. Davis, Past SSEC President, Retired Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company Executive

2016

Sherry L. Field, Assistant Dean of Education, University of Texas at Austin

2014

Richard A. Diem, Dean, Honors College, University of Texas at San Antonio

2013

Jean Craven, past president of the National Council for the Social Studies and the SSEC; also former Social Studies Coordinator of Albuquerque, NM Public Schools

2012

Dr. Jane Bernard-Powers, Professor Emerita, San Francisco State University

2011

Fred Risinger, Retired Coordinator of Social Studies, Indiana University

2010

Murry Nelson, Professor Emeritus of American Studies, Pennsylvania State University

2009

Charles Mitsakos, Professor Emeritus of Education, Rivier College

2008

Mary Hepburn, Retired Civic Educator, University of Georgia

2007

Suzanne W. Helburn, Professor Emerita of Economics, University of Colorado/Denver

2006

Gerald Marker, Emeritus Professor of Education, Indiana University

2005

Mary Jane Turner, Retired Civic Educator, Close Up Foundation (posthumous award)

2004

Marion J. Rice, Retired Professor of Social Science Education, University of Georgia

2003

Irving Morrissett, Executive Director Emeritus, Social Science Education Consortium