Milford Educator Shae Parks Earns National Award for Championing Civics Education

Shae Parks

Milford High School educator Shae Parks inspires students through innovative civics education, hands-on government lessons, and community leadership programs

MILFORD – At a time when understanding democracy is critical to the health of the nation, Milford Senior High School is earning national attention for its commitment to civics education. Leading that effort is educator Shae Parks, a seventh-year teacher whose work to make civics engaging and relevant has earned her the prestigious American Civic Education Teacher Award (ACETA).

Parks, who holds a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction from Kansas University, is one of only a handful of educators nationwide recognized by the Center for Civic Education, Indiana University’s Center on Representative Government, and the National Education Association. The award honors classroom teachers who provide students with both the knowledge of how government works and the skills and motivation to participate in civic life.

Bringing Civics to Life

As a dedicated civics educator, Parks believes the subject is far more than memorizing facts—it’s about understanding how government decisions affect everyday life and how citizens can influence them. She uses current events, local issues, and community partnerships to connect students to the civic world, organizing Civics Learning Week activities, collaborating with the League of Women Voters of Delaware, and inviting local and state leaders to speak in her classroom.

“Teaching civics has been essential since our country was founded,” Parks said. “For our democracy to thrive, citizens must have the skills and the knowledge to participate in government—and the desire to do so. That disposition to be an engaged citizen can only be developed through meaningful interactions with others, and that’s not something you can easily re-create outside of a school building in today’s world.”

Empowering Student Voices

Outside the classroom, Parks advises Milford’s Student Government Association, helping students organize pep rallies, homecoming, and prom. But she views student government as much more than school spirit.
“Student government, and student-led organizations like it, are what build the sense of responsibility and empowerment that students need to be impactful members of society,” she explained.

Her dedication to civic engagement has also earned her two selections to the University of Delaware Biden School of Public Administration’s Democracy Project Institute for Teachers, where she shares strategies for strengthening civics education statewide.

Looking Toward America’s 250th

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Parks is focusing on helping students bring America’s founding ideals to life. “Right now my biggest focus is finding ways to bring our founding documents to life for students,” she said, noting that the milestone offers a powerful opportunity to connect the past to today’s civic challenges.

A Community Commitment

The ACETA program highlights the unique role schools play in sustaining democracy. “A free society relies on the civic knowledge, skills, and virtue of its citizens,” the award’s mission states. “Schools bear a unique responsibility for developing civic competence and civic responsibility.”

Through her innovative approach, educator Shae Parks ensures Milford students graduate with more than just textbook knowledge. They leave with the confidence and commitment to participate in civic life—proving that strong civics education is not only vital to the classroom, but to the future of the community and the country.