Three Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) teachers have graduated from a prestigious professional learning program that explored America’s history and the roots of the United States government. The Teacher Scholars Program from the University of Louisville’s McConnell Center provided 23 Kentucky teachers with academic year-long, all expenses paid retreats around the state, lectures, seminars, a culminating summer trip to Philadelphia, and teaching resources to take back to their classrooms. The three JCPS teachers who participated were:
Stephen Foster II, an ECE teacher at Pathfinder School of Innovation
Ramona Ford, a 5th grade teacher at Farmer Elementary
James Garrett, a history teacher at duPont Manual High School
“I have truly loved the experience with the McConnell Scholars,” Foster said. “The guest speakers and readings expanded my knowledge and understanding of our history and government. It will add depth to my teaching students who, now more than ever, need to have a multifaceted understanding of our country’s history and how it works.”
The Teacher Scholars Program participants studied the achievements of five civilizations and the history of their major cities—Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and Philadelphia.
“The McConnell Teacher Scholar Program flamed my passion for early American history,” Ford said. “This carried over into my classroom. In May, the McConnell Center donated 120 pocket-sized Constitution books for Farmer’s 5th graders. When I announced to them the gift they were receiving with their promotion ceremony certificate, they cheered, clapped, and celebrated. Imagine that—fifth-grade students cheering to have a copy of the Constitution!”
Each of the participants had to apply for the program and received 80 professional development hours upon completion.
By Mark Hebert