The project brings late elementary, middle and secondary teachers in social studies and humanities together with university scholars, teacher educators, master teachers and curriculum developers in sustained collaborative inquiry into the nature of American identity. During this three-week summer institute, teachers engage in seminars that examine multiple voices on the subject of national character, conduct relevant research in a topic of interest, and design curriculum to use in their own classrooms during the following year. Interested teacher must complete a short application process since enrollment is limited.
Selected participants receive stipends for their work and travel expenses are paid.
They may also opt for earning 1-3 credits in either the Department of Teacher Education or the Department of History and Philosophy. This graduate-level course is designed to cover the major aspects in regard to being a candidate for National Board certification. Students will develop a thorough understanding of the core propositions and the standards for their areas of interest. They will evaluate their current practices in conjunction with the standards. Forms of writing will be practiced, including descriptions, analyses, and reflection.