Congratulations to the 2025-2026
Peter & Leslie Richter Civic Educator of the Year
Jacqueline Pope Brothers (Sprague High School, Salem)
I teach the Constitution because not every student will become a biologist, mathematician, or journalist—but every student will be a citizen. Every student will have the rights, responsibilities, and power of participation in our democracy. That’s why civics education isn’t just another subject; it’s the foundation of a functioning republic.
It is with tremendous excitement and pride that CLP named Jacqueline Pope Brothers as the 2025-2026 Civic Educator of the Year. A passionate Social Studies and Constitutional Law teacher at Sprague High School in Salem, Jacqueline embodies the conviction that civic education is life-changing, instilling in her students the belief that their voices matter and their participation drives positive change. Her commitment to fostering informed, engaged citizens is evident in the infectious energy and rigorous environment of her classroom, which has become a perennial favorite among Sprague students. Jacqueline’s dedication to her students, whether guiding them through her beloved AP Government course or providing personal mentorship, is creating a ripple effect that is strengthening civic literacy and engagement across the community.
Jacqueline’s visionary approach to civic education culminated in an achievement that made national headlines: coaching the two-student Sprague team to a tie for first place in the 2025 We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals. This feat, chronicled in The New York Times, was a testament to Jacqueline’s resilience and belief in her students. Her passion for the program is deeply personal, stemming from her own high school experience in a We the People class, which inspired her to become a teacher.
Jacqueline’s impact extends far beyond this national win; she is a dedicated mentor and leader for both her students and her peers. She actively trains and supports other educators, sharing resources with colleagues across the district and nation, and guiding future teachers as she hosts student teachers in her classroom.
Civics Learning Project is delighted to honor a teacher who not only “excels at teaching civics” but lives the principles she instills in her students every day.
2026 – 2027 Nominations
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 for next year’s, 2026-2027, award year.
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 have been 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.”