Teaching American History: Summer 2014 Program Overview

Freedom on the Frontier

Dates: Tuesday, May 27 and June 23-27

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Everyday Americans, Exceptional Americans is an exciting opportunity to deepen American history content knowledge, develop engaging teaching materials, and become part of a lasting professional network. This will be the last institute offered as part of the Loudoun County Public Schools Teaching American History (TAH) grant program, as federal funding has ended.

Teachers will explore the significance of the frontier in American history and examine how it has affected the development of American society. Emphasis will be placed on the following topics: Manifest, closing the western frontier, American overseas expansion, and the role played by specific groups, such as American Indians, Latino Americans, and peoples affected by the nation’s acquisition of overseas territory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Content will be focused on the U.S. history curriculum for 6th, 7th, and 11th grade.

Participation is open to U.S. History teachers, including Special Education and ELL teachers whose instruction includes U.S. history content. To learn more, contact the Project Coordinator, Kevin Briscoe (kevin.briscoe@lcps.org).

Requirements Include

  • Attending the evening orientation session on Tuesday, May 27
  • Participation in all five institute days (Monday-Friday, June 23-27
  • Completion of blog post reflections before, during, and after the institute week
  • Reading and preparation for guided discussion of a selected book
  • Creation and presentation of a primary source activity for use in the classroom

Teachers will earn 2 graduate credits in history from George Mason University for the summer 2014 session.

Applications are due no later than Thursday, April 10, 2014. Teachers can apply online using the link below.

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Space will be limited. Preference will be given to teachers who have not yet participated in TAH. Previous TAH participants who wish to apply are encouraged to do so as early as possible.