Affiliated Alternatives teacher Erik Shager, who teaches in the Work and Learn Program, was recently honored by the Wisconsin State Bar Association. Shager was selected as the recipient of the Bill Eau Claire Memorial Award for excellence in teaching law-related education in Wisconsin.

This prestigious award is presented annually to an educator who has excelled in promoting, developing or teaching law-related education.

As a teacher in the Work and Learn Program, Erik works with students who are credit deficient and at risk of not graduating from high school. He is an inspiring teacher who consistently encourages students to think deeply about their role in society, and their responsibilities as citizens.

Shager's curriculum places emphasis on citizenship and law, with lessons focusing on such issues as recent Supreme Court cases, and an in-depth investigation of civil rights law and the civil rights movement.

Erik Shager demonstrates a deep commitment to law-related education.

He was one of 25 teachers selected from across the nation to participate in a unique program at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Shager attended the 40th anniversary of the Selma March and brought back video footage to help teach his class about the history of the civil rights movement. Chronicles of his trip are featured in the December 2005, MMSD "Making the Grade".

He was one of two Wisconsin teachers selected to attend the United States Supreme Court Institute in the summer of 2002. Erik was also a presenter at the first "Dialogues with Democracy" conference in 2003.

Shager was nominated for this award by UW-Madison Associate Professor Diana Hess and MMSD staff. It is a privilege to work with Erik, and his students and colleagues recognize and appreciate his passion for his teaching.

He was recently recognized and honored at an MMSD Board of Education meeting.