TTU is the place to be this summer for Upper Cumberland history teachers who are intent on re-igniting their passion for the past.

That’s because the Cumberland Plateau Consortium for Teaching American History will be hosting its first two week-long institutes for middle and high school history teachers, with five more such events being planned over the next two years.

The consortium is a partnership between our History Department and the White County Board of Education, created with a nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

“One of the things we’re going to do with this program is make history more personal,” says Michael Birdwell, assistant professor of History and project director. “For example, a number of experts will present information about specific historical topics at each institute.”

Teachers from 21 school districts in 11 nearby counties are eligible to apply for the free summer institutes. A total of 15 candidates will be selected to attend each session, and those who participate will receive a $400 stipend, program materials, meals and boarding.

“Applicants who don’t get accepted this summer should always keep in mind that there will be another series of summer institutes next year,” Birdwell says.

In addition, the program will offer mini-institutes throughout the academic year, as well as annual workshops, regional lectures, mentoring and networking opportunities and a web site that will serve as a hands-on curriculum resource.

For more information about the consortium, its summer institutes or any of its other programs, call the History Department at 3332.