Upcoming Institutes

The New Nation: 1800–1860 (Spring 2026 In-Person Workshop)

On February 24, 2026, Humanities Texas will hold a one-day workshop in Austin for secondary-level social studies teachers on major topics in U.S. history from 1800–1860.

Date and Location

The workshop will take place at the Joe C. Thompson Conference Center on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin on February 24, 2026.

Curriculum

Content will align with the TEKS for U.S. history. Topics to be covered include challenges faced by the Early Republic, the Age of Jackson, westward expansion, Manifest Destiny, the Mexican-American War, and rising sectionalism before the Civil War.

The workshop will feature close interaction with scholars, the examination of primary sources and texts, and the development of effective pedagogical strategies and engaging assignments and activities. Teachers will receive books and other instructional materials.

Faculty

Program faculty includes Richard Bell (University of Maryland) and Signe Fourmy (The University of Texas at Austin).

Eligibility

The workshop is open to secondary-level U.S. history teachers in Texas schools. Priority consideration will be given to early-career teachers in low-performing schools and districts.

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.

Travel and Substitute Reimbursement and CPE Credit

The workshop is free to teachers and their schools. Humanities Texas will reimburse schools up to $200 for a substitute for any teacher who attends. Humanities Texas will not locate or secure substitutes; this remains the responsibility of the schools or districts. Participants will receive CPE credit and a wealth of curricular materials. CPE hours will be adjusted if a participant misses any portion of the program.

Teachers traveling from out-of-town to attend the workshop will be reimbursed for approved travel costs up to $300. Eligible expenses include mileage, lodging, air travel, airport parking, and taxi fares. Meals 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.

Sponsors

This workshop is made possible with major funding from the State of Texas with ongoing support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.