Monument Mountain Teacher Receives Award from The Mass Council for Social Studies

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Ted Collins, a veteran history teacher at Monument Mountain Regional High School, has received the 2026 William Spratt Award for Excellence in Teaching Secondary Social Studies by the Massachusetts Council for Social Studies.

Presented annually, the MCC Teacher Awards recognize exceptional educators in a variety of social studies disciplines from across the Commonwealth; teachers, administrators, and museum educators at all levels are eligible for this honor. 

Collins' talents and contributions to students and school stood out. Principal Christopher Barnes, who submitted the nomination with support from Superintendent Peter Dillon, shared the following: 

"When Mr. Collins teaches history, it isn't just about dates, timelines, or important historical figures. Students become immersed in the full scope of the age—[through] the writings of preeminent social, political, and philosophical thinkers of the time—[positioning them] to better understand the arc of history. Above all, Mr. Collins' greatest achievement is the long lasting impact he has had on his students, their minds, and their critical thinking."

(MCSS) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit educational organization. It is a network of social studies educators who work with related professional associations, government, and private agencies in support of history and social studies education.

This year's awards ceremony took place at Old Sturbridge Village following the MCSS Spring Conference on March 13. A complete list of award recipients can be found here

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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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