Congratulations on being accepted into a Founding Forward teacher seminar! Please view the general information and frequently asked questions below for seminars being held at Liberty Hill. Please review the FAQ before directing questions to teachers@foundingforward.org.
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, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances.
Arriving Flights: Flight reservations to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) should be booked to arrive before 4:30 p.m. on the start day of the program, in order to get to Liberty Hill for check-in before orientation.
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.
This program is for accepted, registered teacher participants only. Family members and guests are not permitted to stay at the hotel or attend this program.
All participants will enjoy a private room in the conference center hotel, 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. Participants wishing to extend their stay at their own expense before or after the seminar may contact Lodge Director, Katie Schultz, at SchultzK@unionleague.org to make those arrangements.
In-person orientation and welcome will be at 6:00pm on the first day of the program, followed by dinner at 7:00pm. 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. Teachers may be responsible for one lunch and/or one dinner on your own during the field study day.
Liberty Hill is a resort-style, members-only conference center. Founding Forward guests are required to follow the same dress code as members.
Dress for Union League Liberty Hill is smart casual.
Common questions about the dress code include:
The dress code is lifted for off-site field study, so you can plan for one day of shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, or other comfortable clothing appropriate for your program’s field study location(s). As a reminder, field study days include significant walking, sometimes up to two miles, when touring and visiting historic sites. Comfortable shoes are a must.
When traveling on arrival day, you are not required to be in dress code at check-in. You can check in, go to your room, and change before exploring the grounds and attending orientation.
When golfing or using the fitness center, you may wear appropriate attire for the activity. Bermuda shorts, polo shirts, and golf shoes can be worn on the golf course. Athletic wear can be worn when using the fitness center.
The final night will include a graduation banquet, where participants are encouraged to dress up – jackets and or ties for men and dresses or similar for women. All guest rooms include irons and ironing boards.
An umbrella or rain gear is 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 can 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.
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 represent both yourself and your school district. During your stay at Union League Liberty Hill, we expect the following from you:
If, after reading the above, you have any questions please email the Education Department at teachers@foundingforward.org.
Each day the program director will give specific times to be in the classroom. 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.
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.
Unless otherwise noted in your registration confirmation, all program materials will be included or made available online in a Google Classroom specifically for your seminar.
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. Service dogs must be registered with Founding Forward prior to the program.
To register your service dog, email teachers@foundingforward.org and provide the following:
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 weekend 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. Stipend checks are issued at the seminar and are separate from the deposit refund, which is mailed to participants following the program.
All 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.
All 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.
Please email teachers@foundingforward.org if you have additional questions after reading the FAQ’s.
To hold your space in the seminar, a refundable 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 or leave the program early, your deposit will not be refunded. Refund checks are processed in August after the conclusion of the last summer program. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
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.
