Teacher Institute Programs

Teaching US History to 1787 (Elementary)

In 1787, 11 years after the Declaration of Independence stated that “all men are created equal”, the U.S. Constitution established a new form of government for “we the people of the United States.” How did thirteen distinct colonies come together to form one nation? Who did the phrase “we the people” refer to when it was written in 1787? What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States? Participants will explore these questions by learning about the daily life in the American colonies from the period of British colonization through the American Revolution. During this course, elementary teachers will be immersed in hands-on activities, primary sources, and teaching strategies that highlight the stories of the diverse peoples living in Virginia and the American colonies during this period.

Teaching US History to 1870 (Secondary)

The founding documents of the United States established the ideals at the core of our nation and government. From the inception of the United States, however, our nation has imperfectly lived up to these ideals. What are the founding ideals of the United States? How has the United States lived up to and failed to live up to these ideals? What does it mean to “form a more perfect union”? Participants will explore these questions by learning about the paradoxes at the heart of the American Revolution and how different groups of people have worked to more fully live up to the promises of the founding generation. Through inquiry-based analysis of primary sources, middle and high school teachers will examine how our founding ideals inspired citizens to shape and change our nation from the first American colonies through the Civil War.

Intended for educators in grades 3-8

This seminar explores the interdisciplinary links between eighteenth-century history and STEAM in the daily lives of American Indians, British colonists, and free and enslaved Black individuals. Participants will compare the experiences of the three diverse groups of people, specifically applied to STEAM—the sciences, technology, engineering, art, and math. Participants will engage with historical interpreters, investigate applied science principles such as design and engineering, chemistry, transportation, and energy, and combine these experiences into dynamic classroom lesson ideas that incorporate primary sources, collaboration, inquiry, and problem solving.

Civic Engagement, Past and Present

Intended for educators in grades 3–8

This seminar explores the stories of civic leaders, civic participation, and civil disobedience across diverse perspectives in eighteenth-century Virginia. Participants will engage with historical interpreters, analyze primary sources, and gain teaching strategies that connect the past to the present in meaningful ways to inspire civic action.

The African American Experience

Intended for educators in grades 3–8

This seminar explores the lives, roles, and perspectives of free and enslaved Black people in the Americas. Participants will pursue a deeper understanding of the diversity of the experiences of free and enslaved Black individuals from the period of British Colonization through the American Revolution. Participants will investigate primary sources, interact with interpreters and tradespeople, and learn how to use culturally responsive teaching strategies to effectively incorporate diverse narratives into curriculum.