2014 Teaching Justice Award

The Robert H. Jackson Center is pleased to announce that Becky Newman of Jamestown has been named recipient of the third annual Robert H. Jackson Center Regional Award for Teaching Justice. This prestigious award was created to recognize educators who have made an outstanding contribution toward teaching the concept of justice in creative, inspiring ways, which may include teaching about civil liberties, human rights, international humanitarian law, the Holocaust, genocide studies, and local issues of justice.

Ms. Newman, currently an English teacher at Jamestown High school, left a successful career in private industry to pursue her interest in education. While the 10th grade English curriculum focuses on world literature, Ms. Newman also teaches a Women’s Studies elective designed to address gender equality and analyze challenges faced by women. The course allows students to “hear” from real women and fictional characters in literature who voice and reflect important gender-related issues. “Teaching incorporates my passion for exposing students to issues that pertain to global injustice, genocide, and cultural differences so that they gain a broader understanding of the world in which we live,” she related.

Ms. Newman was presented with the Jackson Award during the annual Jackson Society Dinner, held at the Robert H. Jackson Center on July 23.

“Becky Newman is a dynamic educator who leads by example and uses her role as a teacher and leader to encourage and motivate students to examine more closely the world around them,” said James C. Johnson, President and CEO of the Robert H. Jackson Center. “The selection committee found her to be most worthy of receiving the 2014 Robert H. Jackson Center Regional Award for Teaching Justice.”

“She just embodies the spirit of Robert H. Jackson,” enthused Ms. Newman’s nominator, Ms. Barbi Price, JHS English Department Chair. “This is evidenced by her firm conviction and relentless pursuit to instill the same spirit in her students: all human beings, regardless of race, religion, or gender, deserve to live in a safe, well-balanced world with equal opportunity.”