Duniway Middle School’s eighth grade U.S. History teacher Jeremy Hurl traveled to George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia to participate in a four-day, residential professional development program March 15 to March 18, 2018.

Hurl attended the George Washington Teacher Institute’s, “Slavery in George Washington’s World” program, which included an intensive study led by noted public historian Richard Josey of the Minnesota Historical Society and Dr. Kathryn Silva from Claflin University. Participants engaged with Mount Vernon’s expert historians, curators, and educators while on site.

In addition to studying the context of slavery in the 18th century and Mount Vernon’s enslaved population, participants had discussed Washington’s ideas about slavery.  Participants used primary historical sources and archaeological evidence to explore ways to broaden students’ understanding of slavery and the challenges of teaching slavery and race in today’s classroom.

“What an amazing and eye-opening first-hand experience,” said Hurl. “What I learned at the institute and as a resident of Mt. Vernon will last a lifetime in the classroom.”

While at the Institute, Hurl lived on George Washington’s estate, within view of the mansion, and attended daily sessions in the 45,000-square foot Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, which opened in 2013.

Institute participants from around the country included K-12 teachers, librarians, and media specialists selected by the George Washington Teacher Institute in a competitive application process.

The George Washington Teacher Institute, founded in 1999, provides K-12 educators with professional development opportunities throughout the year through residential, online and regional programming, as well as Teacher Fellowships. Private funding supports full-scholarships for residential program participants, including a transportation stipend, to qualified educators from select states. In 2018, 160 educators from across the nation will benefit from the George Washington Teacher Institute Residential Programs.