Summer Residential Programs

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Apply to attend a free 5-day immersive professional development program at Mount Vernon to learn more about George Washington and the 18th-century world he lived in. Choose from six thematic programs hosted between June 14-August 6, 2022.

Institute Dates

Applications CLOSED

January 17, 2022

Acceptance Notification Date

March 28, 2022
Summer Residential Programs
Program Descriptions
Teacher Fellowship Program Educational Events Mount Vernon History Teacher of the Year

A 5-Day Program For K-12 Educators

The George Washington Teacher Institute Summer Residential Program is a 5-day immersive professional development experience designed to support K-12 educators who teach about the life, leadership, and legacies of George Washington and the 18th-century world in which he lived.

Our format, with a different thematic focus each program, allows you to explore an 18th-century subject that is most relevant to your classroom.

  • Learn from experts in history and education about teaching George Washington and the 18th-century world he lived in.
  • Experience how place (even digitally!) can provide new insight into the 18th century.
  • Tackle topics that matter the most to you, from government to slavery to leadership.
  • Select from six different themes that fit your classroom curriculum and schedule.
  • Connect with Institute alumni and other teacher participants from across the country.
  • Collaborate with other dynamic educators to find new ways to bring these lessons to life in your classroom.

Summer 2022 Program Dates & Themes

June 14-18: The Great Experiment: George Washington and the Founding of the U.S. Government 

June 21-25: George Washington at War: From Soldier to Commander in Chief

July 5-9: First in Business: George Washington, Mount Vernon, and the New Nation

July 12-16: Slavery in George Washington’s World

July 26-30: Leadership and Legacy: Lessons from George Washington

August 2-6: Martha Washington and the Women of the 18th Century

Who Can Apply?

  • The George Washington Teacher Institute cares deeply about equity, inclusivity, and diversity. Our Institute is committed to cultivating a unique learning environment where all individuals may succeed professionally and personally. We seek and welcome applications from educators of varying backgrounds and experiences to explore the history and ideals that make us all different, and inspires diverse interpretations of George Washington and the world he lived in.
  • Anyone who is currently educating American students in a formal K-12 school environment.
  • Educators must anticipate teaching in the school year following participation. 
  • Priority will be given to educators working directly with students from any subject area (teachers, media specialists, librarians); however, a limited number of spaces will be reserved for administrators and supervisors.
  • Applicants may only attend one residential program at Mount Vernon per calendar year.
  • Alumni from past residential or digital programs are eligible to apply; however, there are a limited number of spaces reserved.

Why Should I Apply?

  • Learn from place, and museum and academic experts about George Washington’s life and lessons in leadership.
  • Tackle topics that matter the most to you, from government to slavery to leadership.
  • Collaborate with other dynamic educators to devise new ways to bring these lessons to life in your classroom.
  • Connect with Institute alumni and other teacher participants from across the country.

What is the Application Process?

  • Online Application The application should take approximately an hour to complete and requires the applicant to upload a resume and provide short answer responses about your teaching philosophies. Two letters of recommendation are also required for completion. Applicants can start the application, save, and return to it before the submission deadline. 
  • Resume List relevant education and teaching history. Special attention will be given to leadership roles held, recent professional development, student engagement techniques, and examples of innovative and adaptive teaching strategies.
  • Short Answer Questions Explain your reasons for applying by responding to questions related to how your attendance will impact students, what teaching historical thinking looks like in your classroom, what collaborative contributions you can add as a participant, and your potential as an engaged alumni of the George Washington Teachers Institute.
  • Letters of Recommendation Two letters of recommendation addressing your skill, ability, and experience as a teacher and indicating support for your participation in the Institute are required. One letter must be from a person in a school or district leadership role where you are currently employed. The additional letter should be from an education colleague. You will be asked to submit the names of your two recommenders, who will then be asked to submit their letters through the application system.
  • Alumni Alumni of previous George Washington Teacher Institute Residential Programs will be asked to explain how they have integrated experiences and knowledge from the residential program they attended into their current practice. Alumni will be asked to participate in the residential program by leading a classroom application session, a lesson and/or activity related to the Institute theme.
  • Professional Development As part of your participant agreements, you will be asked to conduct a minimum of one teacher professional development session following the Institute, with the goal being to share what you've learned with teachers beyond your team and/or school within the next year. More details will be provided during the Institute.

What are the Costs?

  • All costs associated with institute resources, meals, and lodging are covered as part of your participation. 
  • Participants will be responsible for booking travel. Reimbursements will be made following program participation based on predetermined stipend amounts (which will be communicated after acceptance). 

Facilities

  • The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington Participants will learn throughout the various areas of the 45,000 square‐foot Washington Library for the majority of the Institute. 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 By learning on George Washington’s estate, participants will enjoy the opportunity to connect and collaborate with Mount Vernon’s onsite experts in informal learning, early American history, preservation, archaeology, and other relevant fields.
  • The Alexandrian Hotel As part of the covered costs, teachers will be housed in double occupancy rooms with fellow participants at the Alexandrian Hotel in Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection. Access to a free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking are included. 

What Else Do I Need to Know?

  • COVID-19 George Washington's Mount Vernon complies with applicable laws and guidance set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities and will require vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of participation in the residential programs.
  • We are confident we can provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards for participants, but please reach out if you have any questions about our protocol in this area. 
  • Accessibility When considering your accessibility needs, please keep in mind that Mount Vernon is located on 500 acres and several Institute sessions include walking on hilly and unpaved terrains. Accessibility arrangements can be made with the Education Department prior to the start of the Institute to ensure your full participation. Click here for additional information about accessibility at Mount Vernon.
  • Dietary Restrictions Accepted applicants will be asked to make note of any specific food allergies and/or dietary restrictions in their paperwork. The Education Department will work with our catering staff to build menus that take these needs into account. If your diet is highly restrictive, you may want to pack supplementary food.
  • Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Points (PDPs), or Graduate Credits We currently do not offer official CEUs, PDPs, or Graduate Credit. Participants can request a letter of attendance that will outline the number of hours spent in lectures, participating in discussions, and on tours for the week they attended.

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