Be Washington Facilitation

A Leadership Experience Your Students Won't Forget

Be Washington is a first-person interactive leadership experience, where players step into the role of George Washington and decide on the course of action during a key moment in history. 

Teachers and their classroom are led through a single Be Washington scenario: the Genet Affair or the Whiskey Rebellion. The program will run through Mount Vernon supported Webex Video Conference Platform.

Genet Affair

Genet Affair Scenario

Barely four years after George Washington took office as the first president of the United States of America, a neutrality crisis threatened to plunge the young nation into an international war. During this foreign affairs crisis, President Washington must decide if he should enforce neutrality, honor the treaty with France, or ask Congress to set a clear policy.

Learn more about this scenario.

Whiskey Rebellion

Whiskey Rebellion Scenario

The newly formed United States is in need of revenue, but one of its first taxes, an excise tax on whiskey, is violently opposed by small distillers in Western Pennsylvania.

Learn more about this scenario.

What's Included

• A welcome and brief introduction on program and technological logistics from a facilitator
• A staff-led single player game of a Be Washington scenario
• A discussion of (1) the challenges that George Washington faced in leadership roles, (2) the larger issues at play for each challenge, and (3) the precedent set by Washington’s decision and the lasting impact it may still have on the country today. 

Requirements

• All teachers and students will need internet access.
• Sessions are designed for 1 teacher and 1 classroom (maximum 40 participants).
• Programs can be led through 1:1 classroom technology or 1:many.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

• Know that George Washington’s leadership role meant he had to make complex decisions in the 18th century.
• Understand that people in the past were complex individuals who faced situations that have challenges similar to today.
• Improve their critical thinking skills by analyzing sources, comparing and contrasting past and modern times, and interpreting the bias of arguments.
• Have a fun/engaging/memorable experience by visually connecting with challenges faced in the 18th century.

Special Discounts for Title One Schools

• Qualified Title One schools nationwide registering for any of these special distance learning programs will receive a discounted price on the program!
• More information is available during the registration process.