Sixty Teachers Invited to Washington for Immersive Week-Long “White House History Teacher Institute”

Jun 20, 2018 Washington, D.C. —

The White House Historical Association will host two sessions of its annual White House History Teacher Institute July 16 – 20 and July 23-27. The five-day immersive workshops brings a select group of educators from across the country to Washington to learn about White House history – an experience that includes special site visits, conversations with former White House staffers, lectures from White House historians, and access to resources created by the White House Historical Association that will enhance the teachers’ curriculum.

“We’re excited to provide educators with new tools they can take back to their classrooms- this year those tools include access to the association’s Digital Library, interactive workshops using digital products developed with Amazon Web Services, and distance learning education opportunities with Dreamwakers, a free video technology program connecting professionals with high-need classrooms across the country,” said Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association.

Educators will also use the White House Historical Association’s Curriculum Resource Packets, Resource Videos, and a variety of digital tools designed for 21^st century classrooms.

“Teachers work together to incorporate material presented at the Institute into activities for their students,” notes Director of Education Joanna Capps. “Teachers across the nation are using the White House Historical Association’s curriculum and new digital resources to design robust, meaningful lessons that they can deploy in their classrooms.”

Throughout the week, teachers will also study White House history topics including the construction and expansion of the White House, the evolving role of the First Lady, the Civil War White House, the art of diplomacy at the White House, and the history of State Dinners. The White House Historical Association will also provide teachers with the tools needed to lead their classrooms in National History Day, a national contest that engages students with a year-long research project.

The White House Historical Association will also take the educators on guided tours of the White House, the Rubenstein National Center for White House History at historic Decatur House, the White House Visitor Center, Diplomacy Center and Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the State Department, the President’s Neighborhood in Lafayette Square, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and President Lincoln’s Cottage.

The White House History Teacher Institute sessions run from 8:30am to 5:00pm at the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History. Learn more about the Teacher Institute and watch an informational video here.

Each year, the Teacher Institute offers educators, including librarians, media specialists, curriculum coordinators, pre-service and classroom teachers the opportunity to apply. Priority is given to middle and high school educators who work directly with students. To be included in the selective Teacher Institute, educators must submit an application, resume, and recommendation.

For media inquiries, please contact press@whha.org or Jessica Fredericks, Communications Director, at JFredericks@whha.org.