Monomoy's Dickson Honored As Teacher Of The Year By Lawyer's Alliance

HARWICH – Monomoy Regional High School social studies teacher John Dickson has been named Teacher of the Year by the American Lawyers Alliance. The national recognition stems from Dickson’s contribution in educating students on law-related education in his civic classes.

Dickson said he was hired at Harwich High School 27 years ago when the state of Massachusetts made a big push toward civics. He was hired to grow the program and now teaches four eighth-grade civics classes and one AP US government class.

The selection process, according to the Alliance, was based on how the teacher instills an understanding of the role of the courts, law enforcement agencies and the legal profession and helps students recognize their responsibilities as well as their rights. The course should encourage effective law-related education programs and increase communication among students, educators, and those in the legal system.

“Mr. Dickson’s background as a teacher well qualifies him for this award,” according to the Alliance announcement. “The civics course is centered on the Constitution, law making and public policy. It has always been a goal of his for the students to take a stand on whether they would have supported ratification. This lesson takes this goal one step further by having them act out the process, as well as writing about it. The project emphasizes the importance of Massachusetts in the ratification process, and just how contentious that convention was.”

“It’s very gratifying and kind of them to recognize teachers myself,” Dickson said.

This is not the first time Dickson has been recognized with teacher of the year plaudits. The Daughters of the American Revolution, a national society which honors history teachers each year state by state, presented Dickson with the honor in 2014 as the Massachusetts Outstanding Teacher of American History, and presented with the American Civic Education Teacher Award.

Both Harwich and Chatham have long had the traditions of providing civics as a subject, long before the state required it, said Dickson. His approach to the subject is through participatory and active learning. Civics is now a required eighth grade course in the state.

Each of his classes takes on a project, he said, seeking a solution to problems students see such as racism, gun violence and affordable housing. Students do the research and come up with ideas and solutions they can support, such as raising the age for gun licensing to 21. Solutions may be provided to Cape and Islands Senator Julian Cyr and State Representative Sarah Peake and presented to legislative committees.

“Mr. Dickson’s recognition as the American Lawyers Alliance Teacher of The Year is a testament to his commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and our students’ ability to have an impact,” said Lindsey Parker, Monomoy’s humanities curriculum director. “He has a passion for educating, inspiring, and empowering our future leaders.”

“This award exemplifies Mr. Dickson’s dedication to developing the next generation of informed and empowered citizens through dynamic and transformative civics education,” added Principal Jennifer Police.

Dickson will be honored at the meeting of the American Lawyers Alliance at the University Club of Chicago on Aug. 2.