As educators, students, and community members across the country gear up to celebrate Civic Learning Week (March 10–14, 2025) the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is proud to announce that David W. Gordon, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools, has been selected as one of two recipients of the Champion of Civics Award.
The accolade recognizes individuals who demonstrate a long-standing dedication to strengthening civic education in California’s public schools. Superintendent Gordon and Michelle Herczog, Ed.D., an education consultant (formerly the coordinator of history and social science for the Los Angeles County Office of Education), were selected by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero to receive the award.
The announcement was made in downtown Sacramento on February 6 during the two-day Civic Learning Summit, which brings California high school students together with policymakers and education leaders to discuss innovative strategies, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives to enhance civic education.
Chief Justice Guerrero emphasized the importance of an informed public that understands how critical it is to have a fair and impartial court system. “That can’t happen without people and organizations like you,” she said. “I want to emphasize that the courts see and appreciate those of you who have dedicated yourselves to policy and advocacy in this space.”
Superintendent Gordon has been instrumental in shaping civic learning policies and advocating for their integration into classrooms statewide. He recently highlighted Senate Bill 584, new legislation to expand civic education resources for elementary and middle school students. If passed, it would amend the California Education Code to ensure that young learners gain a deeper understanding of their role in democracy.
Contributions to Civic Learning
Superintendent Gordon and Dr. Herczog have made significant contributions to civic education in collaboration with the California judicial system and other education leaders. Following the release of a report by the California Task Force on K–12 Civic Learning in 2014, the two were appointed to serve on the Power of Democracy Steering Committee. During their tenure, they played a critical role in launching key initiatives, including:
- Establishing September as Constitution Month—turned Constitution Day (September 17) into a month-long California celebration, highlighting the importance of civic education statewide
- Developing classroom civics lessons—connected students to the role of the courts from kindergarten through high school
- Promoting court outreach opportunities—helped teachers, particularly through remote learning opportunities
- Launching the “Civic Learning Award” and “Judges in the Classroom” programs—helped further engage students with civics lessons
The award recipients are also the co-founders of Californians for Civic Learning, a non-profit organization aimed at elevating and funding civic learning in public education.
“Their dedication to this movement is unwavering,” said Justice Judith D. McConnell, who leads the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative. “They continue to push forward with the same passion and determination that inspired me when we first met. They are true champions, and I’m thrilled our Chief Justice chose to honor them.”