Russellville School District is proud to announce that Brian Canard was selected as a recipient of the prestigious James Madison Memorial Fellowship, a national award established by the U.S. Congress to support outstanding secondary educators in the teaching of the United States Constitution and American history.
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship was created in 1986 to assist secondary school teachers in earning a master’s degree in American History, Political Science, or American Government. The program’s mission is to strengthen the teaching of constitutional principles in secondary schools across the nation.
Brian was chosen through a highly competitive application process that evaluates candidates on their teaching experience, academic potential, and commitment to civic responsibility. Applicants are required to demonstrate a strong dedication to teaching the Constitution, including submitting an essay on its importance in today’s classrooms.
Each year, the foundation awards up to 50 fellowships nationwide, selecting only one educator per state. Recipients are awarded up to $24,000 to support graduate study, with the expectation that they will continue teaching constitutional principles and American history in their classrooms.
As part of the fellowship, Brian will participate in a four-week graduate course at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., titled “The Foundations of American Constitutionalism.” During this time, fellows engage in advanced study and visit historic sites connected to the Constitution, including Independence Hall, National Archives Building, and Supreme Court of the United States.
Please join us in congratulating Brian Canard on this outstanding achievement and for representing Russellville School District at the national level! 🎉