D.C. Declaration of Learning

If you are not teaching in Washington, D.C., please check out WHHA's national program, White House History Teacher Institute.

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Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATIONS

How do I attend the D.C. Declaration of Learning program?

Participants are selected through an application review process. To apply, you must complete an online application that details how this program will enhance your teaching along with the submission of your current resume.

When is the application deadline?

Limited spots are open for the 2022 in-person program. Applications are open from January 10, 2022 to February 21, 2022. Apply here

Who is eligible to apply? Do I have to be a history teacher?

This local program is open to D.C. 3^rd-12^th grade teachers of social studies/history, English language arts, any fine/performing arts, and library/media specialists. Gifted & talented, special education, and ESL/ELL educators will also be considered. There are no limitations based on school type (i.e. public, private, or charter).

Can multiple teachers from the same school apply?

Yes, teachers from the same school can apply to the program; however, educators applying from the same school will be assessed on their individual merit and not as a team.

How are participants selected? How many spaces are available each session?

The D.C. DOL program has space for approximately 20-30 participants. Each applicant is individually assessed by a review panel composed of partner organization representatives using a rubric that looks at teaching methods, growth mindset, civic engagement interest, writing, and diversity of content areas represented in the cohort (mix between social studies, language arts, art, librarians, ESL, ELL, SPED and GT).

When will I be notified if I have or have not been accepted?

All applicants for the 2022 program will be notified of their acceptance no later than Thursday, April 7, 2022.

All accepted applicants must confirm their spot and agree to the participant responsibilities within the time indicated on their acceptance email (typically one week).

I am on the waitlist. How will I know if a spot becomes available?

Applicants put on the waitlist will be informed individually via email. There is no set time frame – we fill spots from our waitlist as they open and until the session is at max capacity.

COSTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

Is there a fee to attend the D.C. Declaration of Learning program?

There are no payments or fee to participate. In fact, you will earn a stipend for your participation and work building a unit and accompanying lesson plans.

What expenses does the program cover (meals, travel, lodging)?

• Meals: We provide breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday for the summer workshop.
• Travel: We do not cover travel costs initially. Each individual participant must make their own arrangements to get to and from our downtown location, but we will reimburse your parking or metro fees up to $100 with documentation.
• Lodging: Since this is a local program, we will not be providing housing to participants.

Are there stipends available?

Yes, dependent on full workshop attendance, participation, and creations of unit plans and a civic engagement project – every participant will receive a $500 stipend.

I have food allergies/restrictions/am a vegetarian or vegan. What kinds of meals will be served at the summer workshop?

Once accepted, we reach out to all participants to ask about dietary restrictions and food allergies. We will work with our caterer to provide meals that can accommodate your needs. If your diet is highly restrictive, you may want to pack supplementary food. If concerned, please contact us to discuss further.

I have a need for a mobility accommodation. Are the accommodations and program accessible?

We are glad to work with you to ensure accessibility for the on-site programming and off-site trips. The program may include short walks (5-10 minutes) to nearby sites. For any location visits further than a 15-minute walk, we will provide a shuttle bus for the group. If concerned, please contact us to discuss further.

EXPECTATIONS

What can I expect at the workshop? How long are the days?

The D.C. Declaration of Learning summer workshop is structured to provide a mix of activities including lectures, classroom activities, and site visits. Participants will be expected to attend all sessions Monday through Friday (approximately 9 am to 5 pm). Exact timing, sessions, speakers, and tours to be announced.

Has this program been done before?

The inaugural DC Declaration of Learning was held virtually in Summer 2021 but it is a proven in-person program in the state of Arkansas. In 2015, Arkansas became the first in the country to participate in the DOL led by the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, William J. Clinton Presidential Library, Clinton Foundation, and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Both teachers and students enthusiastically embraced the process, lessons, and experience.

• 100% of the educators reported that their teaching has been transformed through the program and that they plan to incorporate their learning into their future lessons.
• 92% of students reported that the lessons had an impact on their understanding of the importance of civic engagement, and that they were personally motivated to become civically engaged.

What are my responsibilities as a participant?

• At the summer workshop, your responsibility is to be a fully active participant in the activities and discussions. During this time, you will also begin crafting your unit and daily lesson plans connected with chosen objects from the partner collections.
• Within the following school year, you will teach and refine the lesson plans while working towards a civic engagement project with students.
• This will all be assisted by teacher mentors from Arkansas and meetings with partner organization staff.

Will my unit or lesson plan be placed on a website?

There is an opportunity for website publication on one of the partner sites, but this is not a guarantee.

OTHER

Do you offer graduate credits or state certificated PD credits?

We currently do not offer any graduate credits or official professional development credits. Upon completion of the summer workshop, you will receive a letter acknowledging approximately 35 hours of participation in this program that can be used however you see fit within your district or school.

I am thinking about travel options. What’s the best way to get to the workshop location?

We encourage traveling by metro rail or bus if at all possible. Our home base will be located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Branch of DC Public Library located at 901 G Street NW. The closest metro stops are Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Green, and Yellow lines) and Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines).

Testimonial