Teach the District

WHO CAN APPLY?

Teach the District is exclusively for educators in Washington, D.C. who work in 3rd-12th grade and we especially welcome applications from teachers in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8 as well as applications from teachers in public schools and in schools that do not have enrichment professionals. However, our applications are open to teachers in any school setting and any ward of Washington, D.C.

The program is best suited for educators in the following subjects: social studies, language arts, fine/performing arts, ESL, ELL, SPED, GT, and humanities classrooms as well as those who teach as school librarians and media specialists.

AS A PARTICIPANT...

You receive support in incorporating local history and civic engagement into your classroom, through resources from partner sites and in-person workshop experiences.

The application-based five-day summer workshop connects you with collections representatives and museum educators to develop a classroom resource that incorporates materials and ideas shared during the program. Our goal is for you to create something that can be used in your classroom in the following school year. Ideally, the resource you create will also serve as inspiration for a student-led, teacher-directed civic engagement project that addresses an issue in your community.

The workshop also features exclusive site visits and guest speakers. Participants will receive a $600 stipend upon the completion of the workshop and deliverables.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

The 2023 Teach the District summer workshop will be held in person from July 24-28, 2023, from 10am to 3pm daily.

Applications will open on January 6, 2023 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 30, 2023 at 11:59pm. Best consideration will be given to educators who apply by Sunday, April 23, 2023. Please note, Teach the District will reach max capacity with 20 participants. Once 20 participants are accepted, applications will close.

APPLY NOW

See below for more information in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

APPLICATIONS

How do I attend the Teach the District program?

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

When is the application deadline?

The 2023 application will open on January 6 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 30 at 11:59pm. Best consideration will be given to educators who apply by Sunday, April 23. Please note, Teach the District will reach max capacity with 20 participants. Once 20 participants are accepted, applications will close. 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/humanities, 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) but we especially welcome applications from teachers in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8 as well as applications from teachers in public schools and in schools that do not have enrichment professionals

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 TTD summer workshop has space for approximately 20 participants. Each applicant is individually assessed by a review panel composed of partner organization representatives using a rubric that considers teaching methods, enthusiasm for local history, and collaboration.

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

Applicants for the 2023 program will be notified of their acceptance on a rolling basis as they apply.

All accepted applicants must confirm their spot and agree to the participant responsibilities within the timeline 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 Teach the District program?

We do not require educators to pay a fee to attend the TTD program.

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

• Meals: We provide lunch Monday through Friday for the summer workshop.
• Travel: We do not cover travel costs. Each individual participant must make their own arrangements to get to and from our program locations.
• Lodging: Since this is a local program, we will not be providing housing to participants.
• Locations: Each day, the workshop will take place at a different partner site location:
  • July 24: DC History Center, 801 K Street NW
  • July 25: DC History Center, 801 K Street NW
  • July 26: White House Historical Association, 1610 H Street NW
  • July 27: DC History Center, 801 K Street NW
  • July 28: DC History Center, 801 K Street NW

Are there stipends available?

Yes, each teacher who attends the summer workshop will receive a $600 stipend upon completion of the workshop and deliverables.

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 caterers 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. Is the program accessible?

We are glad to work with you to ensure accessibility throughout the program. The program may include short walks (5-10 minutes) to nearby sites or some outdoor experiences. If concerned, please contact us to discuss further.

EXPECTATIONS

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

The Teach the District summer workshop is structured to provide a mix of activities including presentations, guest speakers, interactive activities, and site visits. Participants will be expected to attend all sessions Monday through Friday (approximately 10am to 3pm). Exact timing, sessions, speakers, and tours to be announced.

Has this program been done before?

Summer 2023 will be the first summer for the Teach the District summer workshop. TTD has evolved from its predecessor program, the D.C. Declaration of Learning (DC DOL). DC DOL was held virtually in Summer 2021 and in-person in Summer 2022. For Summer 2023, we have changed the program name, content, and partners to best serve the needs of local educators. Both the White House Historical Association and the DC History Center have past experience in hosting additional teacher professional development programs.

What are my responsibilities as a participant?

At the workshop, your responsibility is to be a fully active participant in the activities and discussions. By attending the workshop, you agree to create a deliverable incorporating themes and materials from the week and consider how you might incorporate civic engagement with your students.

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 Metrorail or bus if possible.

Parking will not be provided at any of the partner sites, and all sites are within a few blocks of metro stations.