Upcoming Institutes

Teaching the American Literary Tradition at 250 (2026 In-Person Institute)

From June 15–18, 2026, Humanities Texas will partner with The University of Texas at Austin to hold a professional development institute for Texas teachers on reading and understanding the central authors, texts, and eras of our nation's literary history, from the Founding Era to our present moment. The institute is part of our teacher programming in 2025–26 commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial.

Dates and Location

The institute will take place at the Thompson Conference Center at The University of Texas at Austin from June 15–18, 2026.

Curriculum

Content will be aligned with the TEKS. Topics to be addressed include the American Renaissance, American realism, American modernism, and the Harlem Renaissance; texts of the American Revolution, Civil War, World Wars, and civil rights movement; and women's, immigrant, and Texas voices. Presentations will also address how to develop students' critical thinking, writing, and communication skills. 

Like all Humanities Texas teacher programs, the institute will emphasize close interaction with scholars, the examination of texts, and the development of effective pedagogical strategies and engaging assignments and activities.

Faculty

Coleman Hutchison (The University of Texas at Austin) will serve as the faculty director for the institute. Presenters include Julie Buckner Armstrong (University of South Florida), Greg Barnhisel (Duquesne University), Nathaniel Cadle (Florida International University), Elizabeth Chapman (Houston ISD, Humanities Texas Board of Directors), Randall Fuller (University of Kansas), Lorri Glover (St. Louis University), Jonna Perrillo (The University of Texas at El Paso), Ryan Sharp (Baylor University), Claudia Stokes (Trinity University), Steven Trout (University of Alabama), and Stephen Enniss, John Morán González, Bret Anthony Johnston, and Cathy Schlund-Vials of The University of Texas at Austin.

Eligibility

The institute is open to secondary-level English language arts teachers in Texas schools. Priority consideration will be given to early-career teachers in low-performing schools and districts.

Stipend, Travel Reimbursement, and CPE Credit

The institutes are free to teachers and their schools. Participants will receive a $400 stipend, CPE credit, and a wealth of curricular materials. Stipends and CPE hours will be adjusted if a participant misses any portion of the program.

Teachers traveling to the institute from out of town will be reimbursed for approved travel costs up to $300. Eligible expenses include use of a personal automobile, air travel, airport parking, and taxi fares. Meals and lodging are not reimbursable. Reimbursement rates are set by the State of Texas. Itemized receipts are required for all costs excluding gas. Please review the Humanities Texas travel policy for program participants for more information.

Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the program. Please note that Humanities Texas's maximum reimbursement for total travel expenses is $300, even if the participant’s actual expenses exceed $300.

Lodging

On-campus housing is available to out-of-town teachers at no cost and can be requested on the application.

How to Apply

Complete the online application. Please apply as soon as possible, as registration will occur on a rolling basis and space is limited.

Sponsors

The institute is made possible with major funding from the State of Texas, with ongoing support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.