Dr. Kimberlee Sharp wins Meece Award for Excellence in Social Studies Education

Morehead State Professor of Teacher Education Dr. Kimberlee Sharp's has been recognized for her impact in the classroom.

The Kentucky Council for Social Studies (KCSS) recently awarded Sharp the Meece Award for Excellence in Social Studies Education at its annual conference in July.

As KCSS's highest honor, it recognizes excellence in social studies education in Kentucky. It factors in qualities like:

• Contributions to history, geography, economics, and civic education in Kentucky
• Supporting the advancement of social studies curriculum and instruction
• Going above and beyond to support social studies education

"We are very pleased that Dr. Sharp has been recognized for her outstanding work in the social studies," said Kim Sargent, president of KCSS. "She has made numerous contributions to the content area and the profession of teaching social studies. She is deserving of this council's highest honor."

Sharp has been with MSU for 20 years, serving as an assistant professor (2005-10) and associate professor (2011-18) before taking on her current role in 2019. With a specialty area in elementary and middle grade social studies education. She believes that while elementary schools have frequently put social studies on the "backburner" compared to other subjects, equipping college students to help educate young learners in social studies is extremely important.

"The social studies in K-12 education are the 'heartbeat' of the school curriculum. Social studies teach young learners (through college) how to be participatory citizens in a diverse, democratic society," Sharp said. "Our subject teaches students to be active in their communities, to discover and utilize their political voices in useful and constitutionally protected ways, and to learn the power their voice and vote has on our country's government. In sum, the social studies prepare students for civic life."

Dr. Kimberlee Sharp can be reached at k.sharp@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2853.

To learn more about MSU's Ernst & Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education and its programs, call 606-783-2162 or email ad.miller@moreheadstate.edu.

Photo, left to right: Dr. Kimberlee Sharp receiving the Meece Award for Excellence in Social Studies Education from KCSS President Rebecca Ingram.