"This institute was, by far, the best I have ever attended in all my years of teaching.” — Boston Public School teacher
The Department of Education and Public Programs of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum provides professional development opportunities for elementary and secondary school educators.
These offerings range from day-long conferences to two-week institutes and take place throughout the year. Programs combine opportunities to interact with leaders in the fields of history, public affairs and politics with creative teaching tools and primary source materials.
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American Studies Summer Institute
The Impact of "Intelligence" on American Political Life and Culture, Past and Present
July 9 - 20, 2012, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Every summer for more than two decades, teachers and graduate students in American Studies, political science, history, and related disciplines have explored in depth a topic drawn from American history, politics, culture, or social policy through the American Studies Summer Institute, co-sponsored by the University of Massachusetts Boston and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. This year’s program examines how human intelligence has been defined, redefined, valued, and devalued throughout American history. We will explore the many ways intelligence has shaped American political life and culture, and how restrictive definitions of intelligence have been contested by activists, politicians, and artists. For more information, download the application form. The deadline to register is May 25, 2012. |
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A Sense of Wonder: Stories of Nature, Science & History
A Conference for Teachers of Grades 3-8 and School Librarians
April 5, 2012, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM In 1962, astronaut John Glenn’s historic orbital flight captured the public’s imagination and spurred an ever-growing fascination with rocketry and outer space on the part of America’s youth. That same year, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring warned that overuse of chemical pesticides was endangering the web of life on planet Earth. Her book helped to launch an environmental movement, stirring young people’s interest in ecology and in caring for the natural world. As we recall these landmark events of 50 years ago, join us to consider how stories of nature, science and history can be used to inspire today’s students with both a sense of wonder and conscientious stewardship. Click here to download the conference brochure and registration form. Presented by the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. |
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Crossing Borders
Through Literature, Poetry and Personal Stories
April 7, 2011 Learn more about this one-day conference for teachers of grades 3 - 8 and school librarians that was held on April 7, 2011. Access an annotated bibliography and Peace Corps resources for teachers, and listen to excerpts from a panel discussion with award-winning authors Alma Flor Ada, Naomi Shihab Nye, Linda Sue Park, and James Rumford. |
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The Presidency and Civil Rights
February 20, 2012 This conference examined key moments in the civil rights movement during five American presidencies – from Roosevelt to Johnson – with a final panel examining contemporary civil rights struggles in the years after the signing of the Civil Rights Act. Watch videos of all four panels and learn more here. |
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Kennedy Library Forums
Our free public forums are often tied to history and civics curricula. Teachers and students are welcome to attend. Click the link above to make reservations for upcoming forums or to see videos and read transcripts of past forums. |