There's something special happening in Kaylea Dominguez's fifth-grade classroom at Kitley Intermediate School, and now the rest of the country is taking notice!

Kaylea has been named one of just three educators nationwide to receive the 2026 American Civic Education Teacher Award, recognizing her creativity, passion, and commitment to helping students understand American history, government, and the important role they play in their communities.

The national award, established in 2006, is presented by the Center for Civic Education, the Center on Representative Government at Indiana University, and the National Education Association. This year's selection committee reviewed its largest pool of candidates in the award's history, ultimately selecting just three teachers representing elementary, middle, and high school education.

For Kaylea, who began teaching at Kitley in 2022, receiving the recognition was an emotional moment. "When learning that I had earned the American Civics Education Teacher Award, I was shocked and truly overcome with emotion," Kaylea shared. "I pour so much love into my students, and it feels gratifying to be recognized."

She was also quick to recognize the people around her, sharing how the support and Meaningful Collaboration of her colleagues, administrators, and Kitley families have helped her grow as an educator.

So, what makes her classroom so special? Step inside, and you might find fifth graders investigating a missing dinosaur, sailing across the Atlantic in search of gold for "Queen Dominguez," or researching historical figures before bringing their stories to life. These aren't just fun classroom activities. They're carefully designed Purposeful Learning experiences that encourage students to ask questions, explore different perspectives, work together, and develop a deeper understanding of history.

One of her favorite lessons, The Case of the Missing Dinos, transforms her classroom into a crime scene, complete with caution tape, detective badges, and case files. Students investigate the disappearance of their class mascots while learning how historians use primary and secondary sources to understand the past.

Another favorite is the European Exploration Gold Quest, where students become explorers representing different European countries, complete with paper sailor hats, simulated ocean voyages, and a competitive search for gold.

"The learning experiences in my classroom spark genuine curiosity and a greater depth of knowledge," Kaylea explained. "Students are discovering information, experiencing historical perspectives, and simulating real-life experiences as citizens of the United States."

And the learning doesn't stop there! Her annual U.S. History Living Wax Museum has become one of Kitley Intermediate's most anticipated traditions. Students research historical figures, dress in costume, and share their discoveries through first-person presentations with classmates, families, and community members.

Josh Madden, Principal of Kitley Intermediate, says it's a perfect example of what makes Kaylea's teaching so meaningful. "These are not passive learners reciting facts. They are young historians who have inhabited a perspective and are eager to share what they’ve discovered," Josh shared.

But while Kaylea loves bringing history to life, her lessons also help students discover something about themselves: they have a voice, and they can Make A Difference!

Each year, during her civic responsibilities unit, students identify issues affecting their community, learn how to contact their congressional representative, and write letters sharing their concerns. Along the way, students even learn how to address an envelope, place a stamp, and send a letter through the mail. But imagine their excitement when they begin receiving responses at home! "Their excitement is contagious as they send photos via email," Kaylea shared. "Through this activity, my students realize that their voice can be heard and can make a difference."

It's a great example of FTCSC's Mission coming to life, connecting Purposeful Learning in the classroom with opportunities for students to Make A Difference in the world around them.

And sometimes, the most meaningful lessons extend far beyond academics. For Eleanor Rice, one of her favorite memories from Kaylea's classroom was participating in the Living Wax Museum, where she researched Anne Hutchinson. That experience sparked conversations at home about women's rights, religious freedom, and the importance of having a voice.

Her mother, Clare Rice, loved how the Purposeful Learning of the classroom project led to meaningful conversations at home. But what stood out even more was the confidence and sense of belonging Eleanor developed while in Kaylea's class. Eleanor shared with her mom that her "confidence really sparked in Mrs. Dominguez's class because she made me feel like I belong."

Clare explained that Kaylea welcomed questions, patiently helped students understand difficult concepts, and created a classroom where everyone felt valued.

Even something as simple as the classroom couch became an opportunity to teach kindness and remind students that everyone matters. Each week, the student of the week earned the special privilege of sitting on the couch, but Kaylea took it one step further. That student could invite a classmate to join them each day, turning their own moment of recognition into an opportunity to make someone else feel just as special. It's a simple but meaningful way Kaylea intentionally creates a classroom where every student feels valued and included.

"Mrs. Dominguez is incredibly gifted at teaching our children and helping form their character," Clare shared. "Eleanor’s memories show how much those everyday experiences of patience, encouragement, and inclusion matter."

And those experiences help explain why Kaylea's national recognition means so much to the FTCSC Flashes Community at Kitley. "I was thrilled, but not surprised," Josh shared. "I have watched Kaylea inspire our fifth graders year after year, so seeing her recognized as one of only three educators nationwide felt like the country finally noticing what we see every day."

Kaylea's impact doesn't stop at her classroom door, either. Josh shared that she has created opportunities for fellow educators to Meaningfully Collaborate and share resources, while her creative classroom experiences bring students, families, and community members together.

And now, she'll have the opportunity to share those ideas with educators from across the country! As part of her recognition, Kaylea will participate in the National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference in Chicago this December, where she'll serve on a panel and share her creative approaches to elementary civic education. She's excited about the opportunity to learn from other educators and to encourage more schools to introduce civic education to their youngest learners.

But when asked what she hopes students remember long after leaving her classroom, Kaylea's answer goes far beyond history and government. "I hope they remember that learning is fun," Kaylea shared. "I want my classroom to inspire and spark a lifelong curiosity that extends far beyond these four walls."

And just as importantly, she hopes they remember the power of empathy, kindness, and the knowledge that someone believes in them. "No matter where life takes them, I will always be in their corner cheering them on, believing in them, and proud of who they are becoming."

Congratulations, Kaylea! Our entire FTCSC Flashes Community is proud of this incredible national recognition, but we're even more grateful for the way you Make A Difference in our students' lives each and every day!