Start your Summer with the Smithsonian!

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History invites local (DC, MD, VA) elementary and secondary teachers with a passion for teaching social studies and facilitating adult learning to join us for the Teach-it-Forward Institute.  The goal of the Institute is to familiarize participants with the Museum's resources and teaching strategies, and to prepare them to share lessons learned with fellow educators. The program is free of cost and lunch will be provided.

In session one, participants will go behind the scenes, working closely with museum educators, curators, archivists, and theater staff to develop content knowledge, explore resources, and learn hands-on and multidisciplinary skill building activities that are immediately applicable to standards-based teaching.  There will also be opportunities for research at the Museum for secondary educators.  Six months later, participants will return for session two in which they will learn methods for sharing this content with fellow educators, develop their own workshop, and explore an exhibition.  After session 2, participants can continue to receive support and guidance as they conduct professional development workshops in their home districts.

PROGRAM DATES

• Elementary: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 and Saturday, January 12, 2013
• Secondary: Friday, June 29, 2012 and Saturday, January 26, 2013

HOW TO APPLY

The deadline has been extended! To apply, complete the short application form available here, no later than May 7. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

YOU RECEIVE

• Intensive training in social studies methods from the educators and scholars at the Museum
• Personal camcorder to document object-based learning in your classroom 
• Smithsonian membership
• Membership in the Teach-it-Forward alumni list and online community group, priority notice of opportunities at the Museum
• Certificate of completion