Summer Study – Make your New Year’s resolutions now.
With holidays approaching, it might just be the time for giving yourself a gift for next summer- the opportunity to attend a stimulating summer institute or seminar to sharpen your classroom teaching skills, obtain new useful teaching information or even earn a stipend. There are even some opportunities to earn graduate credit for completing one of these institutes that could even lead to a pay raise. Many of the applications are quite detailed and may take some time to complete. It might be a good idea to start looking and gathering materials just after New Years as the application deadlines tend to sneak up on you.
Government Agencies and Organizations
There are a number of government agencies that offer summer programs for teachers. Many offers stipends to write curriculum after the program’s completion. Some offer the option to obtain graduate credit. Since these programs are offered at a wide variety of locations, they may provide you with the opportunity to travel to parts of the US where you have not previously been. You will also get the opportunity to network with other teachers and share ideas and strategies that have worked for you in the classroom.
The Library of Congress offers numerous opportunities for teachers. There are typically several five day programs offered in Washington, DC. At these workshops classroom teachers learn how to utilize primary sources in the classroom. They then develop teaching strategies to utilize these documents and generate student interest and enthusiasm. http://www.loc.gov/teachers/professionaldevelopment/teacherinstitute/
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is another government agency that offers summer ;programs for teachers utilizing primary source documnet6s. Last summer programs were held in Washington, DC, Kansas City, MO, Chicago, Il, Abilene, KS and Austin TX. The 2012 programs have not been released yet. Check back to the web site periodically to see when the programs are announced. These programs fill up quickly and the application process may be competitive.
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) summer program for 2012 has already been announced. The programs span a vast range of topics from the Abolitionist Movement in the US, Berlin’s Cultural Diversity ( Program is in Germany) and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales ( in London).These programs are open al K-12 school teachers in public, private, parochial and charter schools as well as home school teachers. Some of these seminars and institutes last from 4 to five weeks. Successful applicants do receive a stipend which can go to defray the cost of travel and books, etc. The deadline is March 1, 2012. Don’t wait! Go to http://www.neh.gov/projects/si-school.html
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia also several great programs for teachers that include a stipend. They have not announced their 2012 programs yet but they also have a March 1 deadline. Take a look at http://constitutioncenter.org/ncc_edu_Summer_Workshops.aspx
There are hundreds of other programs offered by organizations, colleges and universities and institutions. Here are just a few. We will add additional programs as they become known to us.
The Ashbrook Center of Ashland University in Ohio is offering as many as 30 one week courses that are free for social studies teachers. These seminars include room, meals, and a $500 stipend. The application deadline is usually March 1st of each year. For more specific information and applications check out the site at www.teachingamericanhistory.org/institutes
The Exploratorium Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception, located in San Francisco, CA has offered summer programs for science and math teachers since the 1980s. Their 2012 applications will be posted this week with a March 1, 2012 deadline. You can learn more about their offerings as well as information about the museum it itself by going to http://www.exploratorium.edu/teacher_institute/summer/
Some final tips before applying.
1) Be sure that your resume is up to date.
2) If you need to secure administration approval in writing, get it in advance of your application.
3) You may be asked as to how the program will impact your classroom teaching or how you will use the material and knowledge you learned.
4) Be aware of the application deadlines.
5) If the program you have selected is in another country, be sure that your passport is up to date and that you have obtained any required visas.
6) If you are applying for graduate credits, be sure to turn in all required assignments in a complete and timely manner.
As always, your comment and additions are appreciated.
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