Congratulations on being accepted into a Founding Forward teacher seminar. Please view the general information and frequently asked questions below. Please review the FAQ before directing questions to [email protected].
All flight reservations should be made to fly in and out of Philadelphia International Airport (Airport code PHL).
Flight Insurance: As in all instances where travel by airline or train is taking place, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances.
Arriving Flights: Flight reservations to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) should be booked to arrive between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on the arriving Sunday, in order to get to Liberty Hill for check-in before orientation.
If your flight is delayed, please text or call the program staff person and let him/her know what is happening with your flight. It is your responsibility to let the staff person know what is going on with any delayed or cancelled flights – the airlines will not give us any personal information. The Education Office cell phone is 610-960-3357 and will be answered by the airport staff. This number is only for the Sunday travel day and is not answered on a daily basis.
Departing Flights: The program will end around 11:30am on Friday. Due to heightened security measures at PHL, you should allow at least two hours to get through security before your flight departs.
Transportation to and from airport: Founding Forward will not provide shuttles to or from the airport to Union League Liberty Hill (800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444). Teachers who need transportation from the airport are encouraged to secure ride share service or carpool with other participants.
For those driving to Union League Liberty Hill, please use the following address:
800 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
On Google maps or other GPS systems (such as Waze), you can find us by entering Union League Liberty Hill. Additional driving directions can be found here.
Teachers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Liberty Hill. Please see above for airport information and driving directions. Please note, Founding Forward will not provide shuttles to or from the airport to Union League Liberty Hill (800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444). Teachers who need transportation from the airport are encouraged to secure ride share service or carpool with other participants.
All participants will enjoy a private room in The Lodge. Check-in for the hotel is 4:00pm on the day your program starts, and amenity information can be found here: https://zngl.me/qR56pos.
In-person orientation and welcome will be at 6pm on Sunday, at the start of the program, followed by dinner at 7pm. All participants must attend the in-person orientation.
While at Union League Liberty Hill, your meals are included throughout the program. All meals are prepared by their culinary staff. If you have a true food allergy, please note it on your registration form.
Dress is smart casual. Collared shirts are required and must be tucked. Blazer is preferred, but not required. Dark, well fitting, dress denim is allowed. No sneakers, ripped clothing, or T-shirts. Summer Dress Code (Memorial Day to Labor Day) Dress, Bermuda shorts and sandals are allowed. No flip flops. A good pair of walking shoes and an umbrella or rain gear are suggested. A sweater or light jacket may be needed in the classroom, which is kept cool.
Remember your cell phone, tablet or laptop and chargers. A charging cord for your laptop is a good idea.
You will be handling your own luggage. Please pack your bag so you are able to transfer it from one location to another.
Having a laptop or tablet is not required for the class but is strongly encouraged. If you choose to bring one, be sure to include a charging cord unless your battery is long lasting.
Summer in southeastern Pennsylvania is usually hot and humid with pop-up thunderstorms. The last few years have been unusual so be prepared for anything.
Plan to fully participate in this program. Stay with the group at all times and do not wander off on your own agenda. If you would like to see additional sites in the area, arrange to fly in prior to, or stay after the program ends. Be mindful of other participants but most of all have fun while learning. Please see the Conduct Code (below) for further details.
As a teacher attending a Founding Forward professional development program, you are representing both yourself and your school district. During your stay at Union League Liberty Hill, we expect the following from you:
Any infractions will be reported to your principal and school superintendent. If, after reading the above, you have any questions please email the Education Department at [email protected].
Each day the program director will give specific times to be in the classroom. If you are late for a lecture, it is distracting for the speaker and others who are on time. Make sure you are on time and in your seat for the start of each program. If you miss the bus for off-campus programs, it is your responsibility to catch up with the group.
During the time you will be off-site, you will be traveling with a large number of teachers on a small motor coach. Please keep in mind the comfort of other passengers on this motor coach. Do not wear any heavy perfume or aftershave. Alcohol, tobacco and drugs are prohibited at all times while on the motor coach. Trash cans are available in the front and rear of the motor coach for your convenience! Be courteous and leave the motor coach as you found it. Do not expect our staff or the bus driver to clean up after you.
Unless otherwise noted in your registration confirmation, all program materials will be included or made available online.
A syllabus will be emailed to all registered participants two weeks prior to the program start.
Required reading (if applicable) will be emailed to all registered participants no later than two weeks prior to the program start.
Lectures may be recorded with permission from the speaker. Please follow any restrictions speakers give for recording or picture taking during their lectures. If visiting an off-site venue, you must follow the rules set forth by the venue.
Service dogs are permitted for Founding Forward program participants if the animals meet the definition provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA defines a service dog as one “that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” Therapy animals, emotional support animals, and companion animals are NOT service animals under the ADA.
Thanks to a generous donor, Founding Forward will provide a $150 stipend to every accepted teacher to help offset expenses related to attending a week-long or three-day professional development seminar. Upon completion of the program, teachers will receive a $150 check to help cover travel, childcare, or any other expenses they might incur.
Accepted teachers receive a scholarship to attend the program, which covers the cost of the program, hotel room, program materials, site visits, most meals, and more.
The Education Office cell number is 610-960-3357. (This phone is only answered during the program.)
To hold your space in the seminar, a deposit of $150 is required with your registration form by the due date listed in the initial acceptance email. Refunds are only issued to those who attend and complete the programs. If you withdraw from the program prior to its start, your deposit will not be refunded.
Founding Forward’s work and mission is made possible through voluntary contributions. We need your support to ensure a future rooted in liberty. Please join our efforts to uphold our democratic system of government with your tax-deductible contribution.
