Articles

With the support of its first-ever state legislative appropriation, Humanities Texas will significantly expand its teacher institute program in 2010, partnering with leading universities to hold six summer institutes throughout the state.

The institutes are scheduled on the campuses of The University of Texas at Austin (June 6–9), Texas A&M International University (Laredo, June 6–9), the University of Houston (June 8–11), The University of Texas at El Paso (June 9–11), Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, June 13–16), and The University of Texas San Antonio (June 13–16).

While institutes are open to all middle and high school humanities teachers, the 2010 programs will focus on topics in U.S. history and culture from the colonial era through Reconstruction that are central to the 8th grade social studies curriculum.

As in past years, institutes will emphasize close interaction with scholars, examination of primary sources, and the development of effective pedagogical strategies and engaging assignments and activities. Teachers in their early years of service will be paired with more experienced colleagues in order to support ongoing professional development.

Participants will be expected to participate in follow-up activities during the 2010–11 school year, enabling them to reconnect with faculty and master teachers, and to discuss classroom applications of the material covered during the summer.

The institutes are offered at no cost to teachers or their schools. In addition to earning Continuing Professional Education credit, participants receive a $300 stipend and a range of instructional materials. Teachers traveling to institutes from a considerable distance will be provided with dormitory housing and a travel reimbursement.

Teachers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as priority consideration will be given to applications received by April 21, 2010. Applications are available online. Please direct any questions to Liz Bohman Barger or Susanna R. Hill, program officers, at 512.440.1991 or institutes@humanitiestexas.org.

Participants of The U.S. Constitution and American History institute in San Antonio gather on the UTSA campus on June 16, 2009. Photo by Lindsey Wall.