Dive into the fascinating duality of George Washington
Examine how his personal introspection and evolving values shaped the legacy we recognize today. Drawing from Mt. Vernon's educator collections, participants will explore rich classroom curriculum designed to engage K-12 students in George Washington's revolutionary history through video resources, virtual tours, and carefully curated primary and secondary sources. Educators will learn about the broader educator programs sponsored by Mt. Vernon and the George Washington Teacher Institute.
This workshop challenges educators to examine invisible histories and the powerful lessons embedded in over 250 years of history. Whether you are a seasoned educator or new to place-based learning, this one-day experience will leave you energized, and ready to bring history meaningfully and boldly into your classroom.
Schedule
| 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9 a.m. | Opening, Welcome, Introductions |
| 9:10 a.m. | The Duality of George Washington |
| 9:30 a.m. | Tuliap Indian Boarding School : Harriet's Story |
| 11 a.m. | Break with Snacks + Visit to the Native Lands Exhibit |
| 11:30 a.m. | Teacher Activity |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:20 p.m. | George Washington's Legacy: A Perspective Through Time |
| 2:30 p.m. | Teacher Activity |
| 2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 3 p.m. | Presentation and Tour of the Museum Washington State Historical Society |
Registration Requirements
Who can register?
- Teachers MUST teach in a formal K-12 classroom or school setting.
- The workshop is limited to 25 teachers.
- A waitlist will be available if registration meets full capacity.
Questions? Please contact [email protected]
Meet the Speaker
Elese Washines
Dr Elese Washines (Yakama/Cree/Skokomish) wrote the secondary-level curriculum for John McCoy Lulilas Since Time Immemorial Tribal Sovereignty Curriculum based on her work teaching Tribal Government classes for high school students. As a mathematics teacher educator, Dr Washines supervised student teachers and transformed her 2 mathematics degrees into over 300 more effective mathematics teachers. She is a published author on research-based best practices for teaching. Dr. Washines has taught student teachers and led teacher workshops for JMLSTI at UW, WSU, NIEA, Heritage U, and OSU. Dr. Washines has written curricula for several school districts and tribes and museums based on JMLSTI. Her most recent work was based on Tulalip Boarding School experiences. Dr. Washines currently serves as the Parent Representative East for Washington State Indian Education Association, 1st Vice Chair for Washington State Native American Advisory Committee appointed by OSPI Superintendent, and is the Yakama Nation delegate to the Native American Advisory Boards for University of Washington, Washington State University, and University of Idaho. Dr. Washines is serving her 2nd term on Toppenish School Board and 3rd term as Vice Chair for Yakama Nation Code of Ethics.
Meet the Educators
Bonnie Belshe
Katie Lewis is a dedicated and accomplished educator with 16 years of experience in elementary education. Lewis holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and National Board Certification. Throughout her career, she has served students in a variety of impactful roles — including Reading Intervention Specialist, Multilingual teacher, and as a classroom teacher. Katie's versatile background reflects her deep commitment to meeting the diverse needs of every learner in her classroom.
A passionate advocate for expanding her professional practice, Mrs. Lewis contracted with the Washington State Historical Society to support the development of both online curriculum and self-guided lesson plans for various exhibits. In addition, she belongs in a cadre at the Vancouver Public School district to create new social studies curriculum in both 2nd and 7th grades.
Lewis was selected as a 2020 Fund for Teachers Fellow, an honor that took her to the United Kingdom to study oracy at Voice 21 schools during 2022. Oracy is the art of listening and speaking designed to engage all learners at various levels of language development. In the summer of 2024, Katie participated in the George Washington Teacher Institute (GWTI) in person at Mt. Vernon. Through this program, she gained profound insight into the lives and living posterity of the enslaved people of George Washington's Mt. Vernon. This experience deepened her understanding and approach to American history with honesty and authenticity.
Upcoming GWTI 250 - West Events
Mount Vernon Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary!
Check out all of Mount Vernon's resources as we prepare for America's 250th Anniversary
Receive Educator Email Updates
Be the first to learn about programs, workshops, and new materials from Mount Vernon's Education Department.
Presenting Sponsor
In Collaboration With
