Scottsdale Teacher Named National Civics Award Finalist
Christopher Klugman of BASIS Scottsdale has been named a finalist for a prestigious national teaching honor.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education
Christopher Klugman, a teacher at BASIS Scottsdale, has been selected as a finalist for the Bill of Rights Institute's National Civics Teacher of the Year Award. He is one of ten educators competing for the title.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the importance of civics education in secondary schools and celebrates educators who foster democratic engagement. The award reflects a nationwide effort to identify and honor teachers who excel in teaching students about their rights and responsibilities.
Christopher Klugman brings 6 years of professional teaching experience to his candidacy. He is currently among 9 other educators competing for the national title.
The players
Christopher Klugman
He is a civics teacher at BASIS Scottsdale with six years of experience in the classroom.
Bill of Rights Institute
This educational organization promotes the study of the founding documents of the United States and hosts the National Civics Teacher of the Year Award.
BASIS Scottsdale
This is a public charter school located in Scottsdale, Arizona, known for its rigorous academic curriculum.
The details
The nomination process involved a nationwide search that invited students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members to submit recommendations. The award aims to recognize excellence in civics instruction during the 2026-27 school year.
Timeline
The award period covers the 2026-27 school year.
Culture Shift
This nomination reflects a broader trend of emphasizing civic literacy in secondary classrooms as a way to combat declining democratic engagement. It aligns with efforts to elevate the status of educators who focus on constitutional principles and American history within the modern school curriculum.
For families in Scottsdale, this recognition highlights the caliber of instruction provided at BASIS Scottsdale. It offers parents and students confidence in the quality of their local civics curriculum and the expertise of faculty within the community school system.
The takeaway
Civics education remains a vital component of preparing students for active participation in local and national governance. Supporting high-performing educators helps ensure that future generations understand the foundations of their rights and duties as citizens.
Further reading
Learn more about the local educational environment in our Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Your Valley.
