Statewide kudos for Munger — Wyoming VFW honors Newcastle social studies teacher

After decades of helping Newcastle Middle School students connect classroom lessons to the nation’s history and democratic foundations, Sheila Munger has been named Wyoming’s Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The statewide honor is part of the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award, which recognizes elementary, middle and high school teachers who promote civic responsibility, patriotism and an understanding of American government. The award highlights educators whose work encourages students to engage with American history and civic life in meaningful, lasting ways. National-level honorees receive a $1,000 Smart/Maher award for professional development, a $1,000 award for their school, commemorative plaques and an all-expenses-paid trip to the VFW National Convention.

Stan Dixon, quartermaster of VFW Post 2516 and Wyoming VFW District 2 commander, nominated Munger and said he has seen the impact of her teaching for decades. He said Munger and her husband, Robert Munger, who are both social studies teachers at Newcastle Middle School, have long centered their instruction on national history, including annual trips to Washington, D.C.

Dixon said he had asked the state VFW to consider both educators as candidates last year but was told the nomination could include only one person. He said he was pleased to see Sheila Munger selected this year.

Dixon said Munger has been invited to attend the Wyoming VFW meeting this summer to formally receive the award for her division and that she remains in consideration for the national Teacher of the Year honor. Principal Tyler Bartlett will also receive a letter recognizing Munger’s achievement that can be displayed at Newcastle Middle School.

According to Lynn W. Rolf III, programs director for the VFW of the United States, states have until Feb. 1 to submit their nominees for national consideration. He said a national winner is expected to be selected and announced by Feb. 15.

Bartlett described Munger as a key member of the middle school teaching staff whose instructional approach helps students grasp complex material.

“Mrs. Munger is a great asset for our middle school team. She’s a veteran teacher who is passionate about her content and about helping students. Mrs. Munger tries to help students connect with difficult concepts through stories and hands-on activities that make things more meaningful to students,” Bartlett said. “Additionally, the annual Close-Up trip to Washington, D.C., that she leads with Mr. Munger has helped hundreds of NMS students see and experience our nation’s capital over the years.”

Munger said that being selected for the statewide award came as a surprise, particularly because her husband received the honor last year.

“I was surprised because Mr. Munger won last year,” she said. “Our information is very similar since we teach together, so I figured they would choose someone new.”

Reflecting on what aspects of her career the recognition may reflect, Munger pointed to the longevity and scope of the Washington, D.C., trips she and her husband have led for students and community members.

“I’m sure taking middle school students and adults to Washington, D.C., for the past 24 years was a big factor in the recognition,” she said. “After our trip in March, Mr. Munger and I will have taken 685 members of our community to Washington, D.C.”

Munger said her classroom instruction also emphasizes daily engagement with foundational documents. She includes a routine in which seventh- and eighth-grade students recite an abridged version of the U.S. Constitution at the beginning of class.

“Most students leave the middle school being able to recite the outline of the Constitution and have a basic understanding of it,” she said.

Another cornerstone of her teaching is Colonial Day and Colonial Night, a major seventh-grade project focused on the founding of the country. Munger said she also relies heavily on simulations to help students understand historical experiences on a deeper level.

“The most rewarding moments are when the students get so involved in a lesson that they become emotional,” she said.

In one extended simulation within her colonial unit, students create characters living in England who are preparing to leave for the Americas. Over several class periods, they pack supplies as a colony, cross the Atlantic and experience their first day in America.

“I can tell by the looks on their faces and the discussions, that they understand just how difficult colonization was,” she said. “They are angry at the king when all the taxes are imposed on them. They are ready to fight. They get it. That is rewarding for a teacher.”

Munger said she hopes those lessons stay with students beyond middle school.

“I hope they remember the mistakes of the past as they become adults and make decisions in our country,” she said.

Teaching civics in a rural community presents challenges, Munger said, but she credited technology and outside resources with helping bridge those gaps. She said the district’s access to online tools, videos and resources from the Close Up Foundation support both teachers and students. She also emphasized the importance of class discussions and addressing current events.

Munger said students who participate in the Washington, D.C., trips gain more than historical knowledge. They learn practical skills such as navigating airports, reading signage and managing schedules, as well as how to discuss current issues and understand different perspectives. Many also form lasting connections with students from other states.

“It is important to note that this is not just a site-seeing tour,” she said. “Close Up teaches the students on the buses, at the sites and in the hotel. They are in workshops and sessions until about 9 p.m.”

Munger said those experiences deepen classroom learning long after students return home.

“Those students who attend the Close Up program are able to make better connections in the classroom when learning about the places they visited,” she said.

For Munger, the recognition affirms both the value of civics education and the sustained effort required to teach it well.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this award. Teaching requires a lot of hard work and effort. I appreciate being recognized for it,” she said.