Mel Miller Award

Mel Miller Outstanding Social Studies Leader Award

The National Social Studies Leaders Association is proud to announce Beau Dickenson as the 2025 Mel Miller Outstanding Social Studies Leader Award recipient.

Established to honor members who exemplify the leadership qualities of a social studies professional, the award recognizes individuals who inspire, advocate, and lead with vision. In 2006, the award was renamed in memory of Mel Miller, a dedicated Michigan social studies supervisor and longtime NSSLA member, whose passion for the field left an enduring impact.

Dickenson, the Social Studies Supervisor for Rockingham County Public Schools in Harrisonburg, Virginia, has dedicated his career to advancing inquiry-based instruction, championing inclusive standards, and mentoring educators across Virginia. His leadership has transformed curriculum development, inspired collaborative advocacy, and expanded opportunities for students to engage with social studies content in meaningful, authentic ways.

The award will be formally presented during the NSSLA 2025 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.