Alabama Teacher Veronica Pitts Named Bill of Rights Institute National Civics Teacher of the Year
<p>Thousands of Alabama students have learned about America’s history, founding principles, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens in Veronica Pitts’ classroom. </p>
<p>Now, Pitts is honored nationally for her exceptional work for America’s young people. </p>
<p>The Bill of Rights Institute announced on Sept. 12 that Veronica Pitts, a teacher at Selma High School in Selma, Ala., was selected as our Civics Teacher of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. The award, which was presented to Pitts by BRI representatives at a surprise school assembly on Sept. 12, also comes with a $5,000 top prize. </p>
<p>Pitts, a highly respected teacher in the classroom for over a decade, was selected after a nationwide search that encouraged educators, students, parents, and community members to submit outstanding civics teachers for consideration. All nominees submitted essays highlighting the importance of civic education, and finalists participated in video interviews. </p>
<p>Pitts wrote in her application essay that “civics educators light the path toward a future where freedom is protected, justice is pursued, and every student knows their place in shaping the story of our democracy.” </p>
<p>Several local representatives attended the surprise assembly to help honor Pitts, including Dr. Eric G. Mackey, Alabama State Superintendent of Education; Dr. Tonya Chestnut, District 5 representative for the Alabama State Board of Education; Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr.; Dr. David Scott, superintendent of Selma City Schools; and members of the Alabama Education Association and Selma Education Association. </p>
<p>Multiple local media outlets provided coverage of the assembly and Pitts’ award presentation, including <a href="https://www.wsfa.com/2025/09/13/selma-teacher-awarded-national-civics-teacher-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WSFA-TV</a> and the <a href="https://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2025/09/13/pits-named-bill-of-rights-institute-national-civics-teacher-of-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Selma Times-Journal</a>. </p>
<p>BRI’s National Civics Teacher of the Year Award adds to a long list of Pitts’ professional accomplishments, including working on the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, highlighting the legacy of the 1965 Voting Rights movement. She also taught Advanced Placement classes, served as Chair of the Social Studies Department, and led various educational initiatives at Selma High School. </p>
<p>FileWave, an international provider of endpoint device management software for education and for-profit companies, joined BRI’s efforts as a sponsor for this year’s contest. FileWave has partnered with TRUCE, an all-in-one mobile app that helps manage screen time and promote healthy phone habits for students. </p>
<p>BRI President and CEO David Bobb said he hopes the National Civics Teacher of the Year Award inspires conversations about civics teachers’ critical role in educating our students. </p>
<p>“Civic education helps our young people learn about our nation’s history, its principles, and the character they need to be principled, productive citizens,” Bobb said. “Veronica Pitts has dedicated her career to advocating for the importance of civic education and helping her students understand and embrace their own agency. We celebrate her work and the impact she’s making for her students.”</p>
