The Life Guard Teacher Fellowship Program

Make History at Mount Vernon

The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon is now accepting applications for The Life Guard Teacher Fellows Program. Recognizing the need for America's elementary and secondary school students to gain a richer understanding and appreciation for George Washington’s leadership and character, these shortterm fellowships are intended to educate America’s students in the history of our founding era – and particularly in the remarkable traits and accomplishments of George Washington –as an investment in the future of our nation. The Library is located at Mount Vernon, just sixteen miles south of Washington, D.C.

About the Fellowships

The Life Guard Teacher Fellowships will support the creation or design of curriculum materials, lesson plans, website information, electronic media, or other educational materials which augment classroom teaching about George Washington and the founding era; and in some cases, support pilot programs to measure or improve the effectiveness of these and/or other educational initiatives. Successful applications will demonstrate knowledge of curriculum relevance; integration of history with other core subjects, and will make use of Mount Vernon’s existing on‐line collections and resources.

These funded research opportunities are available to exceptional classroom teachers (grades 3–12), curriculum specialists, media specialists, and to those engaged in university‐level teacher training.

The Facilities and Resources

The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington

The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington Life Guard Teacher Fellows will enjoy unparalleled access to the extensive resources of the new 45,000 square‐foot Library. Fellows also benefit from the support of speciallytrained Library staff members who can connect them with other invaluable resources for research. Located just outside the main entrance to the estate, the Library is designed to house and safeguard original Washington documents and other materials from the founding era, as well as contemporary research tools and resources.

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens

By living and working on George Washington’s estate, fellows will also enjoy the opportunity to connect and collaborate with Mount Vernon’s onsite experts in early American history, preservation, archaeology and other relevant fields, as well as the scholars who frequently visit for lectures, research, educational programs, and other purposes.

Scholars' Residence

As part of the award package, fellows will have the opportunity to reside in the DeVos House, a scholars’ residence located just 150 feet west of the Library entrance. The building has accommodations for eight scholars, a small kitchen, and a living/dining area.

How to Apply

Mount Vernon will open the application process for the 2014 Fellowships on October 1, 2013.

Please provide:

• Curriculum vitae, which includes leader ship roles you have had, professional development presentations you have made, articles you have had published, and any training you have done for current and future teachers.
• Outline of intended project including intended audiences
• Proposal (of no more than 1,500 words) highlighting how you plan to use our collection and research assets in the development of your project
• Two letters of recommendation sent confidentially from the reference to Mount Vernon.

Submit applications to:

Nancy Hayward
Director of Educational Outreach Programs
The Fred W. Smith National Library
for the Study of George Washington
P.O. Box 110
Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Applications must be received by January 15, 2014. Applications may also be submitted via email to education@MountVernon.org. Applications will be reviewed by a highlyregarded panel of scholars assembled by Mount Vernon. Awardees will be notified on or before George Washington’s birthday, February 22, 2014.