Teacher Seminars

This week–long professional development seminar offers educators an in-depth exploration of the women’s suffrage movement and the arduous struggle for the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The program combines content-rich lectures, dynamic discussions, and lesson demonstrations with hands-on engagement with primary sources. 

This seminar immerses teachers in the transformative “Age of Revolution,” tracing political upheavals from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries. Participants will explore the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the Revolutions of 1830, the Revolutions of 1848, and the Russian Revolution of 1917, comparing their causes, trajectories, and outcomes. 

Educators will deepen their understanding of the Fourth Amendment and its enduring role in shaping Americans’ right to privacy. The program begins with a content-rich lecture from Constitutional scholar Professor Bruce Murphy of Lafayette College who will provide historical context for the amendment’s origins, explore its evolving interpretation, and highlight the tension between individual liberties and government authority.  

Join fellow educators on a unique professional development motor coach tour exploring the Revolutionary era from Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington, D.C. This immersive program blends historical discovery with classroom application, offering teachers firsthand experiences at pivotal sites of America’s fight for independence. 

History and literature teachers will be able to immerse themselves in the life, times, and legacy of Mark Twain, guided by Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography as the foundation for exploration. Through a combination of scholarly lectures, discussion groups, and site-based learning, participants will gain a richer understanding of Twain’s work within the dynamic cultural and political currents of 19th-century America. 

Educators will obtain a rich, immersive exploration of the Vietnam War through scholarship, experiential learning, and practical classroom application. Each morning begins with scholarly lectures by leading historians, examining political, social, and military dimensions of the war, as well as its lasting impact on American society. Participants then engage in dynamic discussions connecting historical content to contemporary teaching strategies. 

Educators to engage deeply with the statesmanship of Abraham Lincoln by examining his original speeches, letters, and writings. More than a biography, the course highlights the interplay between Lincoln’s thought, action, and rhetoric, showing how his vision shaped the American experiment in democracy. Participants will study Lincoln not only as the political leader who preserved the Union and ended slavery, but also as a profound thinker who offered one of the clearest articulations of democratic principles in American history. 

Join us for an engaging professional development weekend focused on deepening educators’ understanding of the First Amendment freedom of speech rights. In today’s classrooms, conversations around civic engagement, respectful dialogue, and controversial issues can be both challenging and essential. This workshop equips teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate these critical conversations while fostering open, inclusive learning environments.