Teachers' Institute

Summer Residential Teachers' Institute*

Established in 1999, the George Washington Summer Residential Teachers' Institute is a highly competitive program which brings teachers to Mount Vernon, Virginia for an intensive week of study at Washington's home.  Participating teachers immerse themselves in the study and discussion of this critical period of American history and the remarkable role George Washington played in the founding of our nation.

Teachers will have the opportunity to:

• Explore the character and accomplishments of George Washington while living on his estate
• Engage in an active exploration of 18th-century history with top historians
• Participate in interactive workshops, tours, fieldtrips, and group projects
• Discuss how to integrate the teaching of history into English, science, math, and geography curricula
• Return to your classroom and share new knowledge, teaching materials, and enthusiasm with your students

All teachers accepted into the institute receive a travel stipend and reside on the grounds of Washington's home. Participants are required to complete one lesson plan for dissemination to teachers across the nation on the Mount Vernon website, and perform one in-service session for colleagues in their home district or state.

This year's sessions will be held the following weeks:

Middle School Session: June 10-15, 2012

Elementary School Session: June 24-28, 2012

High School Session: July 15-20, 2012

Middle School Session: July 29-August 3, 2012

Candidates from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Massachusetts should complete a state-specific application. Candidates from all other states should use our general application. Completed applications should be sent to education@mountvernon.org with "Teachers' Institute Application" in the subject line.

*Through private funding, the George Washington Teachers' Institute is open only to teachers in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

New York Regional Workshops:  Mount Vernon is coming to New York state in 2012.  For more information check back later or email education@mountvernon.org.

Public Days Teachers' Institute

This free, two-day annual event for educators includes lectures and discussions by renowned historians, special explorations of Mount Vernon, an open house at our Hearst Learning Center for Teachers, and a sunset cocktail reception on the Piazza overlooking the Potomac River. This year's institute will be held Tuesday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday July 18 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please note that this is a non-residential institute. The deadline for registration is July 3, 2012.

To RSVP email your name, phone number, and school to education@mountvernon.org with "Public Days" in the subject line.

A Weekend with George Washington: A Residential Program for Virginia Teachers

Immerse yourself in the study of Washington and his times while in residence at his home, Mount Vernon. This three-day program for teachers grades 3-12 includes discussions lead by noted Washington scholars, hands-on workshops and tours exploring Washington's life and interests at Mount Vernon. Teachers of all grade levels are welcome; the program will be held October 12-14, 2012.

To apply email a completed application to education@mountvernon.org with "Virginia Teachers" in the subject line. Application deadline is August 31, 2012.

Mount Vernon Teacher of the Year Award

Each year Mount Vernon honors a history teacher from the metro Washington, D.C., area who brings creativity and passion to teaching and who generates a love of learning and a deepened understanding and appreciation of history.  The winner of the Mount Vernon History Teacher of the Year receives a $5,000 cash award and an all expenses-paid field trip to Mount Vernon for 200 students and chaperones, as well as the opportunity to participate in the 2013 week-long residential George Washington Teachers' Institute.  The top finalist will receive free admission for up to 75 students and chaperones. To apply, please send a resume, a letter of support from a principal or county superintendent, a letter of support from a colleague or department chair, a brief essay describing your approach to teaching history, and a sample lesson plan or student project demonstrating your use of primary documents and/or material culture in the classroom.Materials should be sent via fax, email, or regular mail. Application deadline: May 29, 2012.

Fax: 703-799-5212; Email: education@mountvernon.org (please write "Teacher of the Year" in the subject line); Address: Mount Vernon Education Department, P.O. Box 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Ammerman Student Leadership Program

High school juniors and seniors who serve their schools or communities in a civic, service, sports, or other leadership capacity are invited to participate in Mount Vernon's George Washington Student Leadership Program, which is held each February. Designed to focus on the character and contributions of our nation's first president, the program explores how Washington's legacy of character and civic responsibility remains relevant in our modern world. Area high schools are invited to select three student leaders to participate in this FREE program. Teacher sponsors (one from each school) will receive a stipend of $100. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Ammerman family. Reservations are not currently being accepted. Please check back at a future date for more details about the 2013 program.