Don Barzowski was recognized for his exceptional contributions to citizenship education by receiving this year's prestigious E.A. Richter Award.
The Missouri Bar Advisory Committee for Citizenship Education presents the E.A. Richter Award to honors teachers, administrators, and schools that excel in fostering civic engagement within the state. The award is named after Ewald A. “Wally” Richter, former Missouri Bar director of information and director of law-related education.
Barzowski became involved with The Missouri Bar citizenship education department through a professional development program that introduced him to a network of like-minded teachers and provided him with a wealth of resources that he wanted to share with others.
He has been a crucial part of The Missouri Bar’s Summer Institute program serving as a mentor for other teachers.
“Don Barzowski is one of the most dedicated, creative, caring teachers in the state,” said Dr. Tony Simones, director of citizenship education. “Where he shines the brightest is in his willingness to share his extraordinary experience and expertise with other teachers. Don doesn’t hoard his brilliance. It is that selflessness that makes him an exceptional professional. Even more, it makes him an exceptional human being.”
Crystal Charles, who nominated Barzowski for the award, has worked with him for 17 years.
“He seeks the best curriculum to challenge his classes and helps develop quality professional development programs to continue bringing the best available education to his students,” Charles said.
What drives Barzowski is the profound impact that civics education can have on students and communities. He said he finds immense satisfaction in witnessing his students' growth and involvement in civic life, from their first votes to their participation in local government and beyond.
“I believe that without exposure to high quality civics education they [students] may have made different choices that would not have benefited our country as much as these people have,” Barzowski said.
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