Teacher Institute Programs

Individual scholarships are available each year for educators who work in or support social studies instruction in any public school in the United States. These scholarships are the result of the generosity of many Colonial Williamsburg Foundation friends, their deep commitment to and respect for teachers, and their understanding of the teacher’s role in educating the citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

Matching grants are available each year for educators who work in or support social studies instruction in any public school in the United States. If the school/district will fund one teacher, Colonial Williamsburg will provide the tuition and transportation for another teacher from the same school or district. Both teachers must: 1) apply separately and list each other on their applications, and 2) work through the process with and confirm matching funding from the school/district.

Teachers who wish to pay their own tuition, or whose school districts wish to pay for them, to attend the summer 2026 program should contact [email protected].

Contact Teacher Development at [email protected] for more information regarding scholarships, matching grants, or tuition.

Applicants will complete an online application that includes three short essay responses about their teaching experience and interest in the program. Applicants may also choose to upload additional materials that strengthen their application—such as a résumé, CV, lesson plan, or professional certification—and have the option to submit a letter of recommendation.

As part of the application, teachers will indicate their preferred program dates and select their grade-level track (elementary or secondary).

While the program focuses on history and civics, teachers of all subjects are encouraged to apply. Alumni of the Teacher Institute are welcome to reapply; however, preference will be given to applicants who have not previously attended.

Summer Teacher Institute Participants will stay at the Williamsburg Lodge Hotel and Conference Center adjacent to the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute building.  All participants will share double occupancy rooms with assigned roommates of the same gender.

• For an additional charge of $550.00, private rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Due to the nature of the accommodation, we will be unable to confirm your rooming assignment until the day you arrive unless you have specifically requested a fellow participant.

Almost all meals (and their gratuities) are included as part of the Teacher Institute. We will provide a variety of different meals throughout your week with us:

• Breakfast at the Williamsburg Lodge Hotel
• Buffet Lunches and Dinners (Provides you with lots of choices)
• Boxed Lunches
• Seated Dinner at a Colonial Williamsburg Tavern
• Dinner On Your Own
• You can use your provided gift card to purchase dinner on this night if you go to a Colonial Williamsburg restaurant.

Yes, attending a week-long Teacher Institute session provides the option to apply for three hours of graduate education credit from the University of San Diego. Credit will be given for attending all sessions and programs during the Teacher Institute and submitting one original lesson plan based on historical content learned while attending the Institute. Credit is only offered after the lesson has been submitted and approved. Once a lesson has been approved, you will be directed to the University of San Diego web site to complete the online college credit application and submit a $237.00 payment (price subject to change) to receive the three hours of graduate level extension credit.

Teachers of all grade levels and disciplines are welcome; however, the course is primarily designed for upper elementary and middle school social studies educators.

Each of the course meetings will be recorded and posted on the online course.

Participants should expect around five to eight hours of self-paced work per week and two-hour live course meetings held over Zoom. The course includes three weeks of content but will stay open for six weeks, giving you plenty of time to complete all activities at your own pace.

Yes! All participants will receive a professional development certificate with hours based on the components of the course they complete.

• The self-paced coursework will include a variety of resources, materials, and assignments designed to fit your schedule:
• Readings and videos that deepen your understanding of inquiry-based teaching strategies and historical content.
• Interactive activities and lessons plans ready to use in your classroom.
• Discussion boards to share ideas and learn from fellow educators.
• Short reflection prompts to help you connect course content to your teaching.

• Each course meeting combines historical content and teaching strategies and will include:
• Engaging presentations from historians and first-person interpreters.
• Hands-on teaching strategies led by Colonial Williamsburg educators and partners, focused on practical classroom applications.
• Opportunities to ask questions and collaborate with peers in real time.