PRESS RELEASE
Founders’ Five Announces Inaugural Excellence in Civic Education Award Recipients
Eight Utah educators honored for outstanding teaching of American history, constitutional principles, and civic responsibility
PROVO, Utah — Founders’ Five, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening civic education through short, accessible lessons on American history and constitutional principles, is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Founders’ Five Excellence in Civic Education Award.
The award recognizes exceptional Utah educators who demonstrate a commitment to cultivating informed, engaged, and responsible citizens through the teaching of American history, government, and civics. Recipients were selected from nominations submitted by administrators, colleagues, parents, and community members from across the state.
This year’s recipients
Amy Savarie
5th-grade teacher, Beacon Heights Elementary — Salt Lake City School District
Amy has taught 4th and 5th grade for 12 years and believes that working with primary sources helps students think critically, ask meaningful questions, and connect with the nation they live in today while understanding how it was shaped.
Dr. Anna Christiansen
Middle School Social Studies and Language Arts — Salt Lake City School District
Over 16 years in the district, Anna has developed a passion for collaborative learning, inquiry, and place-based and project-based instruction that engages students in meaningful civic exploration.
Ryan Mueller
Social Studies teacher, Mount Logan Middle School
With more than 15 years of classroom experience, Ryan specializes in helping middle school students engage deeply with American history through close analysis of primary sources.
Danette Arns
5th-grade teacher and Teacher Leader, Red Cliffs Elementary — Juab School District
In addition to her classroom role, Danette serves as a Teacher Leader for the Juab School District, supporting instructional growth and best practices among her colleagues.
Jalena Warner
U.S. History teacher, Juab Junior High School
Jalena is dedicated to helping students understand the past as a living, relevant force in their daily lives, with a strong emphasis on the foundations of American government, civic responsibility, and historical thinking skills.
Heather Peterson
7th-grade Utah History and 8th-grade U.S. History teacher, South Summit Middle School
Heather finds joy in watching her students gain new knowledge and a deeper understanding of the history and principles that shape their world today.
Jacquie Tuitavuki
5th-grade teacher, South Mesa Elementary — Washington County School District, St. George
Jacquie has taught in the Washington County School District for 25 years. Fifth grade is where her heart thrives, with a focus on U.S. Studies.
Ben Meier
8th-grade U.S. History teacher, Pine View Middle School
With 15 years of experience, Ben believes that learning about the past should be an exciting adventure. He dedicates his career to making history come alive by prioritizing the “why” and “how” behind historical events.
“Great citizenship does not happen by accident. It begins in classrooms where teachers inspire students to understand their rights, responsibilities, and the principles that sustain a free society. These award recipients represent the very best of civic education in Utah.”— Tayton Fuja, Founder and Executive Director, Founders’ Five
Award recipients were recognized at the inaugural Founders’ Five Civic Education Summit on February 19, 2026. The summit brought together constitutional thought leaders, including Jeffrey Rosen, former President of the National Constitution Center, to discuss the future of civic education and celebrate excellence in teaching.
The Excellence in Civic Education Award is part of Founders’ Five’s broader mission to strengthen civic literacy through its daily lesson program. The organization provides concise five-minute lessons designed to complement existing curriculum standards while helping students develop a deeper understanding of America’s constitutional system and founding principles.
Nominate an outstanding educator
Founders’ Five is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Excellence in Civic Education Award. Parents, students, administrators, colleagues, and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding civics and U.S. History teachers from across Utah.
Submit a nomination ↗Founders’ Five also invites students, parents, and educators to explore its interactive Civic Education Resource Center in the Library of Discovery, featuring games, lesson materials, and engaging content designed to make America’s founding principles accessible and enjoyable for learners of all ages.