Teacher Programs

General Information and Schedule

Whether you're just starting out as an educator or if you've taught for years, the Washington State History Museum has opportunities for enrichment and continuing education all year long! Check out the workshops and special events listed below to find out how you can use museum resources in your classroom.

Pre-Service Programs

Workshops

Museum staff will bring information about state history and museum programming to your classroom. We will discuss resources available and introduce history and social studies integration.

Museum Visits

Bring your students to explore the museum and get a hands-on introduction to teaching social studies and Washington state history! A staff member will present resources to pre-service teachers before setting them loose to discover the galleries on their own.

For more information, contact Stephanie Lile, Head of Education, at 253/798-5878 or e-mail schoolprograms@wshs.wa.gov.

In-Service Programs

Teacher Orientation Workshop
Saturday, October 24, 2009 - 8 AM to 4 PM

Bringing your students to the history museum? Or are you curious about Washington History Day? Sign up now for our Fall Teacher Orientation Workshop!

From self-guided visits to dramatic performances, the Washington State History Museum has something for all kinds of learners. Join us for a workshop that will help you make your field trip great! We provide loads of resources to help you prepare for your museum visit, including helpful hints on everything from how to arrange a field trip to how to integrate a museum experience into your school’s curriculum. This year's workshop also features breakout sessions on Washington History Day and special presentations on curriculum by Densho and the Washington Holocaust Resource Center.

Attendance at a Teacher Orientation Workshop is required for all first-time History Museum visiting teachers. Veteran teachers will also enjoy getting the latest on all of our programs.

To reserve your spot, e-mail schoolprograms@wshs.wa.gov.

History Day Fall Teacher Workshops Registration now open!

Did you know that National History Day can fulfill CBAs in social studies? Learn about this innovative, engaging history education program at three teacher workshops this fall. All are free and offer free clock hours.

Saturday, September 26, 10am-3pm
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Spokane

How can learning about the past become meaningful and fun for students? How can the theme innovation be used to teach regional and national topics in history? How can teachers use the National History Day program to master the social studies CBA? Learn the answers to these questions and more at this one-day workshop. Special guest speakers are local historians and authors Tony and Suzanne Bamonte will speak on "The Spectacular Davenport: Innovation that Became a Landmark." Lunch, materials, and five clock hours are included. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact 509-363-5349 for more information or to register. Registration deadline is September 18th. This workshop is made possible by a Teaching American History grant administered by ESD 101 and Easter Washington University. E-mail Lauren Danner at laurendanner@wshs.wa.gov to attend.

Saturday, October 3, 12:30-4:30pm
Suzzallo/Allen Libraries, University of Washington, Seattle

Sessions on doing exhibits, documentaries, performances and websites as well as integrating History Day and CBA's into the curriculum. Meet experienced History Day teachers and students. Three clock hours provided free of charge along with some materials. Email Randy Schnabel at randyschnabel@mac.com to register.

Professional Development Workshops

Looking for professional development opportunities for your school or district? Hoping for free, online curricular materials that support EALRs, GLEs, and CBAs? The Washington State History Museum’s Education Department is offering teacher in-service trainings at your school or ESD free of charge. From field trip basics to object-based inquiry methods, our education team is happy to present the bounty of resources available through the History Museum and Washington State Historical Society.

For more information or to book a professional development session for your staff, contact Stephanie Lile, Head of Education, at 253/798-5878 or e-mail schoolprograms@wshs.wa.gov.