Lee Hamilton, a former congressman from Indiana and director of the IU center, and Suellen Reed, Indiana superintendent of public instruction, will present the honors. Ind. They are presented annually to social studies teachers at the middle or high school level who have made exemplary efforts in teaching about the U.S. Congress. Congress with two classes representing the House of Representatives and two the Senate. She uses video and Web-based technology to bring both the process and substance of congressional deliberations to life. Furfaro, of Concord High School, stresses experiential learning about Congress.
Classes create a constitution and hold elections and then engage in a congressional simulation.
Students also produce projects about Congress, based on their experiences and learning. Innovative use of video and technology is incorporated into the learning process. Jerrell, of Roncalli High School, uses a multi-faceted learning approach that emphasizes variety, experiential learning and innovation. Students are assigned a current member of Congress, and they do research about their member's political background, issue stances and legislative accomplishments. They then communicate with their member and predict how their member will vote on a particular bill.