The primary responsibilities of the Education Committee are categorized into four major operational pillars:
- School & Youth Outreach Contests: Building partnerships with local schools and youth leadership organizations (JROTC, Boy Scouts of America) to promote SAR educational and recognition awards.
- History & Living History Programs: Planning and executing interactive educational events, presentations, and artifact displays.
- American Revolution Teacher Award: Nominating and honoring exceptional local history educators.
- Judging Student Contest Entries: Evaluation of student submissions and selection of local winners.
Outreach to Local Schools and Homeschool Networks
Proactive outreach to educational institutions.
The Education Committee serves as the official liaison between the chapter, school administrators, history teachers, JROTC instructors, Scout leaders, and homeschool co-ops.
Key Outreach Activities
- Youth Contact Database: Maintain an updated directory of social studies department chairs, history teachers, high school JROTC Senior Military Instructors, BSA Eagle Scout coordinators, and homeschool networks.
- SAR Youth Contests & Awards Promotion: Introduce and facilitate Chapter participation in national SAR youth competitions and awards:
- Elementary School Poster Contest: Aimed at 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders (depending on state curriculum), focusing on Revolutionary War figures or events.
- Middle School Brochure Contest: Designed for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students, combining research, writing, and graphic design centered on founding documents or battles.
- SAR Youth Video Contest: Open to grades 6-12, Students create a 3-5 minute video on a Revolutionary War event, person, or document.
- George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest: Targeted at high school students (grades 9–12), requiring an original research essay on a Revolutionary War topic.
- Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oratorical Contest: High school public speaking contest focusing on an event, personality, or document of the Revolutionary War.
- Outstanding JROTC Cadet Award: Recognizes outstanding High School JROTC Cadets (and College ROTC Cadets) who demonstrate leadership, military discipline, and scholastic excellence. Includes presenting the SAR JROTC Medal and coordinating chapter sponsorship for the National JROTC Contest.
- Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Award: Open to all Eagle Scouts under 19 years of age. Requires an application, a four-generation ancestor chart, and a patriotic essay on a Revolutionary War topic, competing for chapter, state, and national scholarship awards.
Coordinate History Programs
Interactive history programs bring the Revolutionary era to life for students and the general public. The Education Committee coordinates living history displays, guest speakers, and ceremonial demonstrations.
American Revolution Teacher Award Management
The SAR Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award recognizes extraordinary educators who inspire students’ interest in the American Revolution and the founding principles of the United States.
Judging Student Contest Entries with a Committee
To ensure fair, objective, and timely evaluation of all student submissions across various chapter contests, the Education Committee establishes and directs the evaluation process.
Education Historical Speakers
Volunteer to be an Education Historical Speaker OR assist another member of the chapter when they speak at a school.