Mihika Sakharpe

Lisa Gibson conducts an in-depth AP review session on May 5 in her classroom during her first block class. In addition to teaching both core and AP classes, Gibson sponsors many clubs related to international relations and civics, including Model UN, Academic WorldQuest and more.

For the first time in Ocean Lakes history, government teacher Lisa Gibson was selected for the prestigious American Civic Tradition Fellowship, a program for “top middle and high school social studies educators from around the country” to collaborate on advanced curriculum and discuss novel topics in an ever-changing world.

“The Jack Miller Center’s American Civic Tradition Fellowship brings together teachers from across the country who are committed to educating students in the texts, ideas, and thinkers that founded and developed our constitutional republic,” Lauren Altobelli, director of the Founding Civics Initiative, said. 

The year-long fellowship places great importance on educators who value the American civic tradition and are committed to teaching from first principles. Accordingly, Gibson’s background spans a plethora of associated unique experiences and initiatives: social studies teacher for AP Government & Politics and VA & US Government; ODU adjunct faculty instructor; Virtual Virginia teacher; Model UN, Model European Union, Model Judiciary and Academic World Quest sponsor; and co-coach for the Scholastic Bowl and Battle of the Brains teams. She’s also a board member of the Hampton Roads World Affairs Council, the body that sponsors a few of the competitions she leads. Earlier this year in March, Gibson was awarded the Outstanding History Teacher of the Year from the Princess Anne chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution as well. With her impressive expertise, Gibson aims to develop new curriculums and connect with others who share her passions.

“I hope to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the American civic tradition through engagement with leading scholars and fellow educators who share my passion for constitutional principles and founding-era thought,” Gibson said.

She particularly enjoys exploring the founders’ perspectives on liberty, power and self-governance, especially in relation to the Federalist Papers, ratification debates and the overall intellectual climate of the era. This is evident in her mission to visit all the presidential libraries, a personal hobby to further her extensive knowledge about American history. This passion was immediately evident to the fellowship staff.

“In her application to the program, Lisa shared her ‘conviction that informed citizenship is the cornerstone of constitutional democracy,’” Altobelli said. “[This demonstrated] her commitment to America’s founding principles and to ensuring her students leave her classroom with the knowledge necessary for engaged, responsible citizenship.”

Gibson’s students affirm that her involved instruction and teaching style truly make a positive impact.

“I can truly think of no educator better suited for this exciting new role,” senior and Model UN President Grace Kavanaugh said. “Mrs. Gibson has always gone above and beyond for her students, and it is wonderful to see all of that hard work being recognized.”