Programs for Educators
The Montpelier Weekend Seminars for teachers are fully funded for social studies educators thanks to the generosity of private donors. The Center has a limited number of scholarships available for teachers in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California. Offered throughout the school year, programs begin on Friday evening, and adjourn on Sunday afternoon, maximizing the experience while minimizing time away from the classroom. Six courses are offered each year, each with a distinctive perspective on American constitutionalism. Teachers from other states are encouraged to apply to these programs and may be admitted if space is available.
The Center for the Constitution is the Virginia and Washington, DC sponsor of the We the People program. We the People is a comprehensive civic education program that provides professional development and classroom resources for upper elementary, middle, and high school educators and students. The Center for the Constitution offers in-service seminars ranging from one hour introductions to full-day workshops, as well as week-long summer institutes on the curriculum. The We the People curriculum provides advanced educational opportunities for students including the simulated congressional hearing, which tests students knowledge of the Constitution. Each year, the Center for the Constitution hosts regional and state Virginia We the People competitions and citywide Washington, DC We the People competitions.
The Center for the Constition works with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to host NEH Landmark Seminars on "James Madison and Constitutional Citizenship" in the NEH Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshops for School Teachers. These six-day summer programs for K-12 educators nationwide take place at James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange, Virginia. Forty educators from across the country participate in each Workshop, at no cost to themselves or their schools.
In conjunction with a specific school system or combination of school districts, teachers can travel to Montpelier for one or more days of intense academic instruction focused on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The Center will work closely with school district personnel to implement a program that meets the needs of the school district and fits within their school calendar. For more information on Montpelier Teacher Retreats, contact the Center for the Constitution at (540) 672-2728 ext. 200.
