Jorge Cierra, a social studies teacher and Spanish Immersion Department chair at John Adams Middle School, was recently recognized by Teach Democracy for his commitment to civic education. The honor also recognized his work helping students become informed, engaged members of their communities.
Cierra was among a select group of educators honored at Teach Democracy's Annual Celebration on Sept. 17 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Teach Democracy senior staff selected the honorees for their impact on students and sustained dedication to civic learning.
"This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates the work my students and I have done together," Cierra said. "When young people realize that their voices, ideas and actions can create positive change, they begin to see themselves as leaders, problem-solvers and active members of the various communities they belong to."
The celebration also highlighted Cierra's Civic Action Project work. Former JAMS students Victoria Villaseñor, Allison Medrano-Rivera and Diego Martinez, now ninth-graders at Santa Monica High School, presented their project at the event. JAMS was one of only three Los Angeles County schools selected to have students present.
The students first presented the project in May at Teach Democracy's Annual Civic Action Project Symposium at the California Endowment. The project explored perspectives on America's 250th anniversary, including why people choose to celebrate the milestone and concerns some community members have about the United States today. The students interviewed community members and surveyed peers, teachers and local residents.
Their presentation caught the attention of Teach Democracy leadership, leading to the invitation to the Annual Celebration. There, the students were also interviewed about their research and findings by Kai Ryssdal, host and senior editor of "Marketplace."
"Through Civic Action, our students apply their learning to real-world issues, develop a sense of agency and purpose, and see themselves as capable of making a meaningful impact in their communities," said JAMS Principal Martha Díaz Chacón.
The Civic Action Project challenges Cierra's students to identify community issues, conduct research and interviews, analyze information and explore solutions. They then share their findings through public presentations. His students have also earned the Los Angeles County Office of Education Certificate of Civic Engagement through its K-8 Civic Learning Pathways program.
Teach Democracy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides civic education programs and resources to students and educators.
Edited by SMDP Staff