Dan Marcus, a social studies teacher at John Stark High School in Weare, has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Mary Susan Leahy Civics Educator Award. He was recognized at the NH Council for the Social Studies (NHCSS) annual conference on Friday, Oct. 20 at the Grappone Center in Concord.
Trained as a lawyer, Marcus decided that he could make a bigger difference sharing his knowledge of civics and law in the classroom. While teaching social studies in Indiana, he piloted a new (at the time) civics program called “We the People,” which taught students about the US Constitution and our system of government. When he arrived at John Stark two decades ago, he noted that no civics classes were being taught, and proposed the school add “We the People” as an elective. He has been teaching it every year since. Known for making his lessons engaging and funny, he often writes songs to ensure that his students remember complex sets of facts, such as all the amendments in the US Constitution, while strumming his guitar.
Outside of the classroom, Marcus has contributed significantly to the state-wide conversation about civics over the years. In 2014, he was asked by Justice David Souter to join the Civics Task Force to help the group create its statement of purpose. A former trustee of NH Civics, he has worked with the NH Bar to design and deliver a three-day institute for teachers on “We the People.” As a contributor to the Concord Monitor and the NH Bulletin, he wrote a column called “3 Minute Civics” producing 19 articles on topics like the Electoral College and the Divisive Concepts law. He also led a writing program last summer through the Monitor, teaching people how to write an effective letter to the editor.
“Like a good lawyer, Dan begins his class with a strategically designed presentation to persuade his students that civics matters, that they WILL use civics in their lives,” said NHCSS Board member Martha Madsen in her introduction on Friday. “Dan is a model civics educator, both inside and outside of the classroom. He is most deserving of this recognition and I’m honored to call him my colleague.”
A longtime NH attorney and founder of NH Civics, Mary Susan Leahy has dedicated herself to increased and improved civics education in New Hampshire. In the spirit of her dedication and hard work, the NHCSS and NH Civics honor a K-12 NH educator who excels at teaching civics (content, skills, and attitudes) and who has taken on state-wide leadership in civics education.
The award, which comes with a $500 prize, is co-sponsored by New Hampshire Civics whose mission is to develop, nurture, and maintain an informed, engaged, and civil New Hampshire citizenry. It is the only organization in the state that teaches civics for free to people of all ages, political views and zip codes. To learn more about NH Civics, visit nhcivics.org