Teacher Workshops

Our workshops offer professional development opportunities specifically designed to enrich educators’ knowledge of American history and civics, helping them enhance their teaching skills. Additionally, teachers can access free classroom resources, including lesson plans, primary sources, and video content, all aimed at enhancing civics education in your classroom. Visit the We the People Hub to learn more!

Three Branches Institute: Summer 2024

The Three Branches Institute is a collaborative effort by several historical organizations to provide history, government, and civics-focused professional development for teachers. Hosted by the White House Historical Association, United States Capitol Historical Society, Supreme Court Historical Society, and the National Archives and Records Administration, this institute examines the people, events, and processes that shape the three branches of government in the United States.

SUMMER 2024 SELF-PACED VIRTUAL PROGRAM

This year, the Three Branches Institute will be conducted asynchronously, and partners hope to target several dates across Summer 2024 for potential live virtual programming.

Please register online to access the virtual, asynchronous professional development program, the Three Branches Institute Self-Paced Program, a collaborative effort between the United States Capitol Historical Society, White House Historical Association, Supreme Court Historical Society, and the National Archives and Records Administration. Access to the asynchronous program materials will be made available on Friday, July 15, and remain open through September 15 for participants wishing to receive a certificate or letter of professional development hours.

Access the 2023 Three Branches Program Materials

Three Branches Partner Resource Video 2024

This short video will walk you through the free educational resources available from the White House Historical Association, United States Capitol Historical Society, Supreme Court Historical Society, and the National Archives and Records Administration.

Teacher Institutes: Enhancing Civic Education Through Immersive Workshops

Join us for our Teacher Institutes, where educators can deepen their understanding of American history and civics through engaging workshops and hands-on activities. Our Institutes are designed to provide teachers with valuable resources and strategies to enhance their teaching and inspire their students.

Upcoming Institutes:

The Legacy of Senator Dirksen: Bipartisanship and the 1964 Civil Rights Act

Date: September 26-27, 2024
Location: Springfield, Illinois
Description: Explore Senator Dirksen’s pivotal role in the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the impact of bipartisanship on historic U.S. legislation. Marking the 60th anniversary of this landmark legislation, this workshop offers a Senate-specific teaching opportunity.
Program Collaborators:
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM); Dirksen Center for Congressional Studies
Supporting Agencies:
National Park Service, US Census Bureau Statistics in Schools Program; America 250 and state chapters

Recent Institutes

Teaching the Electoral College: Insights from the 1876 Election

Date: February 22-23, 2024
Location: Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont, Ohio
Description: This Institute explored the history and importance of the Electoral College, with a focus on the 1876 election that led to the selection of President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Highlights: The Institute featured a reading of the newest Teaching the Constitution through Theater series play by Jean Bordewich, providing insights into the deliberations of the 1876 election. Click here to learn more!
More Information: We extend our gratitude to NARA’s National Historical Publications and Research Commission for administering this new civic education initiative. Special thanks to our dedicated staff, including Eric Denyer, Education Specialist, Katey Ryan, Education Fellow, and Janna Deitz, Ph.D., Project Director, for their commitment to advancing civic education.