Fugett Social Studies Teacher Named Finalist in Citadel Heart of Learning Program

Fugett Middle School Principal Tony Small (left,) Bill McCauley, Abigail Brooks (Citadel Bank), Dr. Jim Scanlon

Congratulations to Bill McCauley who was recently named a Citadel Heart of Learning Award finalist. McCauley, who teaches Social Studies, is one of 15 Chester County finalists and will represent the West Chester Area School District at Citadel's annual banquet in May.

Mr. McCauley received numerous nominations, including one from a student he taught over 30 years ago. One of the submissions read "this teacher, quite simply, changes lives. This is the kind of teacher they make movies about. He opens the world to students and leads them on a path of knowledge, discovery, and inspiration. He wants you to understand why knowledge is power. He'll keep working with whatever strategies he has in his superhero teacher toolbox until he finds the one that will connect with you."

The Citadel Heart of Learning Award was created in 2001 by Citadel and the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). Any person who teaches at a public or private school in Chester County is eligible to win. Every year, Citadel receives thousands of heartfelt nominations from Chester County students, parents, and community members for teachers who are making a true difference in their students’ lives. Last year, more than 2,300 teachers were nominated.

Fifteen finalists are selected from the nominations; one finalist from each of the 13 public school districts in Chester County, one from the Chester County Intermediate Unit, and one from a Chester County non-public school, which includes charter and home schools. All finalists receive $500 to use in their classroom and are honored at the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards banquet in early May. Three grand prize winners are selected from the 15 finalists - one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school teacher. The grand prize winners will receive an additional $1,500 to use in their classroom.

Abigal Brooks from Citadel Banking surprised Mr. McCauley with his award at a teacher in-service day on March 11. Click here to view a video of the announcement.