Civic Learning Week
Civic Learning Week begins today! This week highlights civic learning as a nationwide priority for sustaining and strengthening our constitutional democracy.
Find online and in-person events
Teacher Spotlight
Dawn Crone
Brownsburg High School
Brownsburg, Indiana
"With 18 years of experience in education, I’ve had the opportunity to teach a variety of subjects, from German to my current focus on U.S. History. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to professional development through programs like National History Day, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Council on History Education. I was honored to be named Indiana’s Gilder Lehrman American History Teacher of the Year in 2013 and Indiana’s James Madison Fellow in 2018. I am also proud to serve on the Indiana Council on Social Studies' Board.
As a mother of two married adult daughters and grandmother to two grandsons, family is at the heart of everything I do. Before entering education, I held a variety of jobs as my late husband's military service took us to Oklahoma, Colorado, Germany, and eventually to Indiana. Originally from Charleston, S.C., I have called the west side of Indianapolis home for the past 27 years.
In the classroom, my goal is to inspire civic engagement by sharing real-world stories and encouraging students to connect with their community. Recently, the district’s newly elected state senator visited our school to talk with students about understanding and engaging with state government. As the sponsor of the History Club, I’m proud of the community service projects we’ve led, such as crocheting mats for homeless veterans, collecting donations for those in need, and creating cards and signs to honor veterans on Veterans Day. Each year, our History Club also presents a wreath at the Brownsburg 9/11 Memorial, which students sign in remembrance.
Outside of the classroom, I am deeply committed to supporting veterans in my community and believe in the power of community service. I am passionate about local government and currently serve on several local boards. I also support programs like 4-H, FFA, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to help make a positive impact in our community."
Nominations are now open for the 2025 American Civic Education Teacher Awards (ACEATA).
Nominate yourself or a colleague
