Educator Services Career Advancement Recognition Programs
Educator Recognition Programs

George Washington Teachers' Institute

Applications are now being accepted for the tenth annual George Washington Teachers' Institute. The Institute will provide a one-week study program at George Washington's home, Mount Vernon, in northern Virginia for up to ten Massachusetts teachers from public and non-public schools, teaching in grades three through twelve.

The Institute's weeklong program will provide an intensive immersion study of George Washington and his world. The curriculum includes discussions led by noted Washington scholars and hands-on workshops exploring Washington's life and interests at Mount Vernon. Participating teachers will meet with Mount Vernon's historians, curators, and educators, and will spend a day in Philadelphia, Colonial Williamsburg, or Washington's hometown of Alexandria, Virginia exploring 18th century colonial life and politics. Through study, discussion, tours, and projects, participants will gain a new and deeper understanding of the life and character of George Washington and his unique legacy in creating and shaping the principles of America's democracy.

Upon completing the Institute's study program, teachers are required to prepare a lesson plan, suitable for publication and distribution to teachers across the nation, providing engaging, quality guidance on teaching about the life and contributions of George Washington. Teachers are also required to conduct a seminar for their colleagues in their home district to share the information they have gained at the Institute.

Teachers enrolled in the Institute will reside on the grounds of historic Mount Vernon within sight of Washington's mansion. The Institute will provide each participating teacher with room and board during the Institute, and a stipend of up to $350.00 to offset travel expenses.

Institute Dates:

The George Washington Teachers' Institute is made possible thanks to the generous support of a Massachusetts foundation. The program is also being planned in cooperation with George Washington's Mount Vernon and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Teacher Responsibilities:

In applying for the Institute, teachers must acknowledge and accept the following obligation:

• Agree to attend the entire Institute and actively participate in all lectures, discussions, activities, workshops, and trips planned during the Institute.

• Agree, after attending the Institute, to conduct at least one district-sponsored seminar to colleagues in your home district sharing the information and experience you gained at the Institute. After conducting the seminar, agree to submit a report on your in-service to Mount Vernon and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, along with a written evaluation from at least three teachers who participated in the seminar.

• Agree, within three months of the conclusion of the Institute, to submit to Mount Vernon and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education one lesson plan you have written on a pre-approved topic related to George Washington that can be printed and distributed to teachers nationwide.

Acceptance Guidelines:

Applications will be accepted from licensed public and non-public Massachusetts teachers of any subject area, teaching in grades 3 -12.

How to Apply:

Attached is an application | that may be duplicated and disseminated along with these pages of information. Information and applications may also be found on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website at www.doe.mass.edu/educators/recognition/.

Application Deadline:

Applications must be completed and postmarked by March 17, 2008.

If you have questions, contact Deborah J. Walker at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:
email: djwalker@doe.mass.edu or phone: (781) 338-3347