Fayetteville-Manlius School District educator Rebecca Stephens recently spent several days studying women’s history while residing at the first US president’s estate.
In August, the seventh-grade Eagle Hill Middle School history teacher traveled to George Washington’s homestead, Mount Vernon to participate in “Martha Washington and the Women of the 18th Century,” a four-day professional development program offered by The George Washington Teacher Institute that focuses on women’s history and the impact women of all backgrounds have made on the United States.
Stephens was one of 160 participants — including teachers, librarians and media specialists from school districts nationwide — to be selected for the program following a competitive application process.
As part of the program, Stephens lived at Mount Vernon, attended daily sessions in the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, collaborated with Mount Vernon’s historians, curators and educators, and participated in intensive studies led by noted scholars and professors.
“I’m looking forward to incorporating primary sources and material culture into classroom lessons with my students,” Stephens said. “The program’s content greatly enhances my understanding of women in 18th century America.”
Founded in 1999, The George Washington Teacher Institute provides 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, according to the organization’s website.
In addition to her time at Mount Vernon, Ms. Stephens last summer also attended workshops in Gettysburg and at Fort Ticonderoga.
