News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
York Institute has been recognized by the State Department of Education for outstanding preparation in civics and history.
York Institute received the Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education School Seal which is given to schools that provide professional development and real-world learning opportunities. York Institute Director John Bush said he believes the school’s efforts will lead to the students becoming great citizens.
“We really do believe that building into our students and helping grow them in the areas of Civics and just helping them to be better citizens,” Bush said. “And just understanding what our place is and what our rights are and also our duties as citizens of this great country.”
Bush said winning the award puts the school district in prestigious company. Bush said he is not surprised as his teachers were doing great work before they even knew there was an award.
“It’s not like we saw this award and we were like hey lets go do this stuff so we can get an award,” Bush said. “We saw the criteria and we were like we are already doing these things and it made us feel good that it’s hey, the governor and his team see value in something that we also saw value in.”
Bush said he had to give credit to all of the teachers as they contributed to the achievement. Bush said History Teacher and Assistant Baseball Coach Josh Choate was one teacher who really puts the work in for the students.
“Josh does just an amazing job in the classroom,” Bush said. “Whenever we heard the criteria Josh is almost doing all of this.”
Bush said only 77 schools received the honor. York Institute is just one of the two school districts that receive the seal. Bush said he is proud of the school district for not only receiving the honor but also helping students understand the importance of civics and history.
