Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers

July 19-27, 2009

Harrisonburg, Virginia

 

Professional development for public and private middle school teachers from throughout the United States.

 

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution helps students understand the history and principles of our constitutional government. The program focuses on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and fosters civic competence and responsibility among elementary, middle, and high school students in public and private schools nationwide. The institute is a rigorous professional development program that brings teachers to James Madison University to work with constitutional scholars from a variety of disciplines. Participants complete academic readings, attend morning lectures and participate in afternoon sessions dedicated to the content and teaching methods appropriate to the We the People curriculum. At the close of the institute, they also participate in a culminating activity modeled on the We the People simulated congressional hearing, an authentic assessment strategy.

 

Lecture, Teaching Method, and Assessment Content Include the Following Topics:

•  What Were the Founders' Basic Ideas About Government?

•  What Shaped the Founders' Thinking About Government?

•  What Happened at the Philadelphia Convention?

•  How Was the Constitution Used to Establish Our Government?

•  How Does the Constitution Protect Our Basic Rights?

•  What Are the Responsibilities of Citizens?

 

The academic atmosphere of the institute is enhanced by the comfortable residence halls on the James Madison University campus in which participants will be housed. University facilities available to participants include the university research library, recreation center and computer facilities.

Teacher participants will spend the institute in Harrisonburg, Va at James Madison University, located in the central Shenandoah Valley. In addition to working with constitutional scholars and professionals, the week’s experience will include a visit to James Madison’s Montpelier.

 

Participants Will Receive at No Cost:

•  Round Trip Airfare to Dulles International Airport and transportation to and from James Madison University and James Madison's Montpelier

•  Lodging and Meals

•  A Library of Constitutional Literature

•  A Set of Textbooks and Other Materials for the Classroom

•  An opportunity to share ideas with middle school teachers from across the country

 

Three hours of graduate credit are available through James Madison University for a fee.

 

Participation in the institute, professional development worth more than $2000, obligates the recipient to conduct a simulated congressional hearing in his/her classroom. State and congressional district coordinators for We the People will assist with this and other program implementation.

 

Application (On-Line)

Adobe Reader is required to fill-out this application. If you do not have Adobe Reader, it can be downloaded for free here

Application Form (hard copy)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

 

Dr. Thomas Vontz, Institute Director

email tvontz@ksu.edu

 

•  Either complete the application online, or be sure to complete BOTH SIDES of the Application Form and. (Please print or type)

•  Enclose one letter of recommendation from a past or present colleague and one from your administrator that also states that they will support a We the People simulated congressional hearing in your classroom. If you are submitting your application on-line, have the two letters of recommendation either faxed (540-568-2352) or e-mailed (wilsonwr@jmu.edu) with your name as it is listed on your application in the subject line.

•  Send the application form along with letters of recommendation to:

 

Dr. Thomas Vontz

Institute Director

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution

James Madison University

Office of the Madison Institutes

MSC 5729

Harrisonburg, VA 22807

or by Fax 540-568-2352