Congratulations to 2024-25 Civic Educator of the Year
Susan Kernutt (Ridgeview High School, Redmond)
“Civics education is one of the most important topics we can provide for our students. Learning that participation is how you create change… and learning that students have a voice in how our country moves forward is life changing.”
We are proud to honor Susan Kernutt, Social Studies teacher at Ridgeview High School, as the 2024 Civic Educator of the Year. With nearly three decades of teaching experience, Susan has exemplified dedication to civic education through her innovative use of programs such as We the People, Mock Trial, and Community Action Projects.
Susan’s commitment to fostering civic engagement extends beyond the classroom. She collaborates with community organizations and mentors fellow educators, creating a ripple effect that strengthens civic learning across Central Oregon. Her efforts inspire students to become active, informed participants in their communities, nurturing the skills and confidence needed for lifelong civic involvement
All of us at CLP are proud to know and work with Susan, and are delighted to honor her as Civic Educator of the Year.
The 2024-25 Peter & Leslie Richter
Civic Educator of the Year Award
Nominations are now closed.
With the support of a generous gift from Peter and Leslie Richter, we are happy to announce that the annual award includes a $2,000 prize for the recipient. Please read nomination guidelines and instructions, and complete the form below.
To nominate a candidate:
- You must personally know your nominee – direct experience of their professional contributions is recommended
- You must be able to explain and/or provide evidence of the above qualifications when you complete the nomination form
- You do not need to inform your nominee you have submitted, but you cannot submit anonymously
- Nominations are open June 1 – September 30.
The Peter & Leslie Richter Civic Educator of the Year Honoree:
- Is a K-12 educator in Oregon
- Has participated in Civics Learning Project programs for at least 5 years
- Has participated in training other educators or assisting other educators with resources & regularly shares their expertise to help others in their professional community
- Actively collaborates with colleagues, students, families, & other stakeholders to create a strong culture of Civic Education & Engagement
- Has the respect and admiration of students, parents, colleagues, and the community
- Inspires creativity, critical thinking, active learning, and civic participation
- Is nominated by a colleague, administrator, community member, or participant of a Civics Learning Project program
- Is honored at the annual Oregon Civics Conference for Teachers in December and at Civics Learning Project’s Legal Citizen of the Year Award & Celebration
About Peter & Leslie Richter
Peter and Leslie Richter are long-time champions of civic education. Peter, who recently retired from Miller Nash, LLP after 49 years, will continue his career of learning, practicing and teaching Advocacy and Persuasion as Of Counsel with Lynch Murphy McLane, LLP in Bend. He will continue to teach Trial Advocacy at Lewis and Clark Law School and the Oregon State Bar. “Teachers and the rule of law are the backbone of our society,” he observes, “and meaningful civic education is more important now than ever.”