Past Teacher Seminars

Join Founding Forward for an immersive travel study seminar tracing the powerful arc of the Civil Rights movement in America, from its early stirrings before World War II through the “long civil rights movement” of the twentieth century and into the challenges and activism of today. Together, we will confront both the triumphs and unfinished struggles for equality, guided by the voices, places, and legacies that continue to shape our civic life. 

This immersive journey begins in central Tennessee, where participants explore the critical Western Theater of the Civil War through visits to Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro—a hard-fought engagement that proved pivotal for Union morale—and the Nashville area. The itinerary includes the Battlefield of Nashville as well as Carnton Plantation and the Carter House in Franklin, sobering sites that illuminate the ferocity and human cost of the 1864 Battle of Franklin and the collapse of Confederate power in the region.

Educators will examine the life, legacy, and influence of Alexander Hamilton through scholarly sessions and experiential learning opportunities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Hamilton’s transformative role in shaping the early American republic and learn how to translate these insights into effective classroom practice. 

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. 

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 Participants then engage in dynamic discussions connecting historical content to contemporary teaching strategies.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. 

Please note, applications and registrations for this program have closed. 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.