E. Claiborne Robins, Jr., Teachers Institute
Before Jamestown
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Above: Jasper knife (Virginia Department of Historic Resources) |
On July 7–11, the Virginia Historical Society will hold the 2008 E. Claiborne Robins, Jr., Teachers Institute, Before Jamestown. Named in honor of a former president of the VHS, this program will help history and social studies educators with the teaching of ancient history of the Americas and, in particular, prehistoric Virginia. Leading archaeologists, anthropologists, ethnologist, and linguists will examine the Native American culture with daily lectures, discussions, field trips, and readings.
With the assistance of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, this program will immerse a group of selected teachers in an intensive one-week study of Native American culture before the contact with European powers.
The institute will take a multi-disciplinary approach by exploring Native American societies through the expertise of leading historians, archaeologists, linguists, ethnologists, and anthropologists.
The Teachers Institute is open to all Virginia public and private elementary and secondary school teachers, but is targeted for teachers of Virginia Studies, USI, and VA/US History. Participants are selected by members of the Society's teacher advisory board.
The Teachers Institute is sponsored by The National Endowment for the Humanities, the M&M/Mars Education Fund, and the Robert Hill Carter Fund for Virginia Local History.
How to Apply:
All applications must contain: a completed application form, a résumé, a personal statement, and one letter of recommendation. Application materials must be received by May 15, 2008.
1. A résumé (limited to two pages).
2. A statement in which you answer the question, "How do you see your participation in this experience as offering an opportunity for your development as a scholar and a teacher?" (Limited to 500 words).
3. Any other evidence demonstrating your intellectual curiosity, appreciation for historical scholarship, creativity, and innovative approach to education.
4. One letter of recommendation from an immediate supervisor written on official letterhead. The letter should address your work habits, teaching successes, academic achievements, character, and ability to work with other people.
For more information, contact Canan Boomer at 804.342.9652, or cboomer@vahistorical.org.
Testimonials
"The speakers were the best—very engaging and thought provoking . . . just the right mix of tours, teacher activities, and opportunities for collegiality." – John Hannon
"This is the most sophisticated gathering of teachers I have ever seen. You all respect our abilities and expect only the highest from us." – Dina Johnston
"I tell everyone I meet that you put together the best teachers institute ever, and after 19 years of teaching I've been to a few." – Tom Mack
Past Institutes
Read about previous Teachers Institutes
Also related:
Brenton S. Halsey Teaching Excellence Award
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