Teaching American History

Professional Development Activities

Critical Turning Points in the History of American Foreign Policy focused on significant turning points in our nation's relationship to the world around us, from the triangle trade of the 18th century to the U.S. role in the world today. Professional development activities took place both at Brown University and on location in participating districts. The program was funded under a Teaching American History grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Institutes and Workshops

During the summer institutes at Brown University, teachers developed Online Teaching Resources. These online resources are now available to teachers anywhere.

2006: Teaching Institutes at Brown University —

This series of two one-day teaching institutes for teachers in the New England area focused on the history of the slave trade and slavery in early New England. This series was sponsored by the Choices Program and Brown University's Committee on Slavery and Justice.

2006: Summer Institute at Brown University —

Five veternas of the Turning Points institutes participated in this eight-day institute for teachers from the Omaha Public Schools focused on the early period in American foreign policy. Scholars from Brown University, Dartmouth College, and Boston University participated. The Fall 2006 newsletter is available online as a pdf.

2005: Summer Institute in Omaha, Nebraska —

This three-day institute for teachers in Omaha and Millard was led by TAH teachers and organized by the Nebraska Humanities Council in collaboration with the Omaha Public Schools and Millard Public Schools. The focus is on the Vietnam War.

2005: Summer Institute at Brown University —

This eight-day institute focused on the experience and legacy of the Vietnam War. Scholars from Brown University, George Washington University, Naval War College (Newport, RI), and Harvard University participated in the institute. Participants from the period—American and Vietnamese—also participated. During the institute, teachers spent time, both individually and in groups, writing reflectively. Selections of reflective writing are available online for others to use. The program draws on ground-breaking research organized by the Watson Institute. The Fall 2005 newsletter is available online as a pdf.

2005: 3-day Institute at Brown University —

Slavery in New England is a three-day institute for Rhode Island teachers. The program explored the history of slavery in New England, its ramifications for today's society, and ideas about how to bring this topic to the high school classroom. The institute was sponsored by the Choices Program, Brown University's Committee on Slavery and Justice, Rhode Island Historical Society, and Rhode Island Department of Education.

2005: Conference in Lansing, Michigan —

This two-day conference, titled "Reducing the Risk of Conflict and Catastrophe in the 21 st Century" brought scholars from Brown University's Watson Institute for International Studies to discuss their ongoing research into 20th century events in U.S. history and engage teachers in applications for the classroom. The conference also brought students and teachers to the Michigan Historical Center for document viewing. Organized by the Ingham County Intermediate School District and the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Literature.

2004: Summer Institute in South Kingstown, Rhode Island —

This five-day teaching institute for Rhode Island teachers highlighted an interdisciplinary approach to teaching about the triangle trade and maritime history.

2004: Summer Institute in Omaha, Nebraska —

This five-day institute for teachers in Omaha and Millard was led by TAH teachers and organized by the Nebraska Humanities Council in collaboration with the Omaha Public Schools and Millard Public Schools. As part of their work during the institute, teachers developed lesson plans that are available online.

2004: Summer Institute at Brown University —

This nine-day institute was focused on the role of race in American history with a particular emphasis on the legacy of the slave trade and slavery in New England. Scholars from Brown University, University of Kentucky, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Illinois State University, the Newport Historical Society, and the Newport Chamber of Commerce participated in the institute. Many have been involved in the work of Brown University's Committee on Slavery and Justice. Curriculum resources developed by teacher-leaders are available online. A new unit, A Forgotten History: The Slave Trade and Slavery in New England was published in June 2005. The Fall 2004 newsletter is available online as a pdf.

2003: Summer Institute at Brown University —

This nine-day institute was focused on the Cuban missile crisis and drew on ground-breaking research organized by the Watson Institute at Brown University. As a component of their leadership in this program, teacher-leaders developed online lesson plans drawing on the expertise provided during summer institutes.

Note: The Choices Program collaborates with a number of districts on their Teaching American History programs. Interested districts should contact the Choices Program.