In recognition of her exemplary and engaging teaching practices, Minnesauke Elementary School teacher Kate Hunter has been honored with the 2016-17 Outstanding Elementary Social Studies Classroom Teacher Award from the New York State Council for the Social Studies. She had been previously honored by The Long Island Council of the Social Studies with a similar award.
  
“Ms. Hunter is able to inspire her students to look at the world through a critical lens and has created a microcosm of society within her classroom,” said Minnesauke Principal Dr. Brian Biscari. “It is because of her tenacity and inspired approach to teaching that her students are destined to have a positive impact on their school community and our world.”

This award is presented to current teachers who have demonstrated exceptional teaching ability at the elementary, middle or high school level, knowledgeable in social studies content as well as pedagogy. They must also be able to relate successfully to students at the level for which the nomination is made. 

“I love being an elementary school teacher and I am in love with the subject of social studies because of all the hope and possibility it creates for our students,” said Ms. Hunter. “We as teachers of social studies have the beautiful privilege and awesome responsibility of helping to guide [students] to their life’s purposes and responsibilities.”