Mount Vernon Teacher Institutes. . . Mmm Mmm Good!

Oklahoma Teachers are part of a select group of educators from across the nation that can apply to spend seven days and nights on the grounds of Mount Vernon. At the institutes in July noted historians spoke on a variety of subjects that included: Willie Balderson’s lesson on Washington and his career of surveying; the four phases of the Revolutionary War by author and former Commander of West Point, Dave Palmer; enthusiastic Professor Scott Casper’s explanation of three centuries of the art of George Washington; and Larry Earl’s moving participatory lesson on slavery at Mount Vernon.

A panel discussion on “The Constitution and the ‘Disenfranchised’” was moderated by contributing senior news analyst to National Public Radio, Cokie Roberts. While the teachers were wined and dined, David Hildebrand performed “The Music of Washington’s Time.” On another night, Martha Washington regaled the attendees with stories about “The General.” The educators visited Washington’s farm and a recreation of his sixteen-sided treading barn, and then had a special tour of his grist mill and distillery. During the Middle School Teachers’ week participants explored Washington, D.C. and the High School Teachers took an excursion to Philadelphia to see Independence Hall. At night many of the teachers sat on the piazza of Mount Vernon and watched the moon’s reflection on the Potomac. The attendees felt very privileged-like they were truly guests of the first President. ALL Oklahoma teachers are encouraged to apply for next summer’s institutes. Each participant is given a substantial travel allowance, a wonderful room to stay in for the week, delicious meals for the teachers, and free handouts, CDs and DVDs.

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