News Summary
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $2.8 million grant to William & Mary’s Strategic Cultural Partnerships for a three-year initiative called ‘We the Teachers.’ The program aims to enhance history and civics education as America approaches its 250th anniversary. Led by Mark Hofer, the initiative will provide educators with resources to improve teaching strategies and critical thinking. With workshops scheduled in Williamsburg, Denver, and Minneapolis, the program will emphasize foundational American documents and foster a collaborative national network of teachers.
Williamsburg, Virginia – The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $2.8 million grant to William & Mary’s Strategic Cultural Partnerships (SCP) to fund a three-year initiative titled “We the Teachers: Preparing the Next Generation Through History & Civics.” This program aims to enhance history and civics education across the nation as the 250th anniversary of America approaches, with a focus on empowering the next generation of informed citizens.
Mark Hofer, senior director within SCP and an educational technology professor at the W&M School of Education, will serve as the project director for this initiative. The program’s primary objective is to provide educators with deeper content knowledge and effective teaching strategies in history and civics. It intends to cultivate critical thinking skills and document analysis among students via creative teaching opportunities.
The initiative will offer professional learning experiences through three annual in-person convenings along with skills-focused micro-courses. The first congress is scheduled for July 2026 in the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Workshops for the participants will take place at William & Mary and partner institutions. Subsequent congresses are set to occur in Denver in 2027 and Minneapolis in 2028.
Participants in the program will dive into foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. An essential aspect of the initiative is to create a national network of teachers that supports mutual collaboration and shared learning.
This program is particularly relevant in light of ongoing national debates surrounding the teaching of history, including issues of race and civic identity. There are rising concerns among some communities regarding attempts to minimize or erase the teaching of Black history and the context of American racial injustice. In this light, the initiative aims to promote a comprehensive understanding of American history through the use of primary documents.
Hofer emphasized that a thorough understanding of historical debates from America’s founding is crucial for grasping their implications on contemporary issues. By fostering a strong foundation in history and civics, the program aims to equip future generations with the skills needed to navigate complex societal challenges.
Through the “We the Teachers” initiative, William & Mary seeks to address the pressing need for improved history and civics education, ensuring that students are well-prepared to contribute thoughtfully to society as informed citizens. By engaging educators and fostering critical discussions around historical contexts and documents, the program aspires to make a lasting impact on educational practices and civic understanding throughout the nation.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: William & Mary Grant to Train Teachers in History & Civics
- Time: Examining Higher Education in America’s 250th Anniversary
- Deseret: The Importance of Civic Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thomas Jefferson
- History.com: Understanding the American Indian Movement
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
