GWTI is Coming to the South!
Mount Vernon is partnering with local organizations to create workshop training programs in your community.
Stay tuned for programs with the National WWII Museum, Oklahoma Historical Society, American Revolution Institute, and William J. Clinton Presidential Library to name a few. Program dates and partners will be announced throughout 2025 and 2026.
GWTI 250 Programs Near You
Meet Our Regional Ambassadors
Tammara Purdin
Lead Ambassador
Dr. Tammara (Tammi) Purdin is a dedicated educator, Florida native, and proud mother and Mamaw. With over 23 years of teaching experience, Tammi has taught in a variety of educational settings, including Gifted, Exceptional Student Education, and Title I programs. She currently serves as an educator at Lamarque Elementary School and is the Executive Director of the Florida Council for History Education, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the importance of history education across the state. Tammi also co-founded the Florida Council for History Education which reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing historical literacy both in schools and throughout the broader community. She holds a Doctorate in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in American History. Her academic research focuses on elementary and secondary history instruction, literacy proficiency, and the use of historical thinking strategies in the classroom. Outside of her professional work, Tammi enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and relaxing at the beach.
Christina Stetler-Rodriguez
Christina Stetler-Rodriguez is an English Instructor at the Carver Center for Arts and Technology and an adjunct professor at the Community College of Baltimore County in Maryland. She holds an Advanced Professional Certificate in Secondary English from the State of Maryland, along with an international TESOL certification. A National Board Certified Teacher in English Language Arts for adolescents and young adults, Christina has served as a curriculum writer and provides mentorship and professional development to educators throughout her district. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Goucher College, pursued additional graduate coursework at Towson University, and studied American Culture and Literature through the Harvard University Summer Teacher's Institute and Extension School.
Gabriel Valdez
Gabriel Valdez is a passionate advocate for social studies education and a dynamic leader dedicated to empowering educators and students alike. Serving as the President of the Texas Council for the Social Studies, Gabriel spearheads initiatives that promote civic education, historical literacy, and cultural understanding across the state. He also serves as the Membership Committee Chair for the National Council for the Social Studies and Administrator of the Social Studies Network on Facebook where he fosters connections and collaboration among educators to enhance teaching and learning. Gabriel has also participated in numerous teacher groups and programs which have deepened his expertise and broadened his perspective on innovative educational practices. A lifelong learner and advocate, Gabriel inspires educators to engage, empower, and educate the next generation of informed citizens.
Timothy Hicks
Timothy E. Hicks is a graduate of Furman University (BA in History) and the University of South Carolina (MAT in History; Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction). Timothy has taught at Dent Middle School in Columbia since 1994. Currently, he is teaching 8th grade South Carolina and United States History in the district’s oldest middle school academic magnet program. Additionally, Timothy has served as a mock trial coach for 25 years, a teacher and judge at National History Day, a school department leader, a new teacher mentor, a Master Teacher at the 2023 White House History Teacher Institute, and has presented 85 times at district, state, and national levels. Timothy is a primary author of statewide textbook The South Carolina Journey. He is the President of the South Carolina Council for the Social Studies. When Timothy is not teaching, he enjoys good books, trips to historical sites, sports, and spending time with his wife, three sons, and diminutive Yorkie named Watson.
Virginia Conerly
Virginia Conerly is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Virginia has taught elementary school for 16 years with 15 years in 5th grade. Currently, Virginia teaches math, science, and social studies in Huntsville, Alabama where she brings her love for early American History to the classroom. She also serves as the lead 5th grade teacher, the PBIS school coach, an AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science, Technology Initiative) trainer, an intern and new teacher mentor, and a Master Teacher for the 2025 White House History Teacher Institute. She is passionate about building relationships with students and creating historically accurate lessons that engage students with primary sources. When she is not teaching, she enjoys watching her son play soccer, her daughter dance, and traveling with her husband and family.
Christina Stetler-Rodriguez
Christina Stetler-Rodriguez is an English Instructor at the Carver Center for Arts and Technology and an adjunct professor at the Community College of Baltimore County in Maryland. She holds an Advanced Professional Certificate in Secondary English from the State of Maryland, along with an international TESOL certification. A National Board Certified Teacher in English Language Arts for adolescents and young adults, Christina has served as a curriculum writer and provides mentorship and professional development to educators throughout her district. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Goucher College, pursued additional graduate coursework at Towson University, and studied American Culture and Literature through the Harvard University Summer Teacher's Institute and Extension School.
Gabriel Valdez
Gabriel Valdez is a passionate advocate for social studies education and a dynamic leader dedicated to empowering educators and students alike. Serving as the President of the Texas Council for the Social Studies, Gabriel spearheads initiatives that promote civic education, historical literacy, and cultural understanding across the state. He also serves as the Membership Committee Chair for the National Council for the Social Studies and Administrator of the Social Studies Network on Facebook where he fosters connections and collaboration among educators to enhance teaching and learning. Gabriel has also participated in numerous teacher groups and programs which have deepened his expertise and broadened his perspective on innovative educational practices. A lifelong learner and advocate, Gabriel inspires educators to engage, empower, and educate the next generation of informed citizens.
Timothy Hicks
Timothy E. Hicks is a graduate of Furman University (BA in History) and the University of South Carolina (MAT in History; Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction). Timothy has taught at Dent Middle School in Columbia since 1994. Currently, he is teaching 8th grade South Carolina and United States History in the district’s oldest middle school academic magnet program. Additionally, Timothy has served as a mock trial coach for 25 years, a teacher and judge at National History Day, a school department leader, a new teacher mentor, a Master Teacher at the 2023 White House History Teacher Institute, and has presented 85 times at district, state, and national levels. Timothy is a primary author of statewide textbook The South Carolina Journey. He is the President of the South Carolina Council for the Social Studies. When Timothy is not teaching, he enjoys good books, trips to historical sites, sports, and spending time with his wife, three sons, and diminutive Yorkie named Watson.
Virginia Conerly
Virginia Conerly is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Virginia has taught elementary school for 16 years with 15 years in 5th grade. Currently, Virginia teaches math, science, and social studies in Huntsville, Alabama where she brings her love for early American History to the classroom. She also serves as the lead 5th grade teacher, the PBIS school coach, an AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science, Technology Initiative) trainer, an intern and new teacher mentor, and a Master Teacher for the 2025 White House History Teacher Institute. She is passionate about building relationships with students and creating historically accurate lessons that engage students with primary sources. When she is not teaching, she enjoys watching her son play soccer, her daughter dance, and traveling with her husband and family.
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