While thought of in a modern context as remote, the Ticonderoga peninsula on Lake Champlain found itself at the center of two centuries of contest for control of the North American continent. Using an expansive document and artifact collection that supports the study of the period from 1609-1815, this Institute explores the evolution of America’s military heritage, with an emphasis on the French & Indian War (1754-1763) and the American Revolution (1775-1783).
Twelve teachers will spend a week at Ticonderoga, using the museum’s object and archival collections to examine the age of exploration, the quest for control of the continent by competing European nations, the War for American Independence, and the War of 1812.
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Structure, Content, and Faculty
The Fort Ticonderoga Teacher Institute features lecture-based discussions with visiting scholars, experiential and immersive opportunities related to the French & Indian War and American Revolution, behind-the-scenes opportunities, document, and artifact analysis using the Fort Ticonderoga Collection, as well as classroom applications. Participants take part in activities revolving around artifacts and documents in Fort Ticonderoga’s renowned collections linked to Historical Thinking practices, the C3 Framework, and applicable state learning standards.
2020 Faculty
- Richard M. Strum, Fort Ticonderoga’s Director of Academic Programs, serves as Institute Director. Rich has 30 years’ experience in the museum education field and has been at Fort Ticonderoga since 1999. He is the author of two books for young readers related to the American Revolution.
- Timothy Potts has taught middle-level Social Studies for 30 years at the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School in Monticello, New York. He is a Past President of the New York State Council for Social Studies and current Treasurer. Tim has presented at numerous local, state, and national conferences on innovative ways to teach Social Studies.
- Dr. T. Cole Jones is Assistant Professor of History at Purdue University, where he focuses on the role of violence in the social and political transformations of the revolutionary era. He is the author of Captives of Liberty: Prisoners of War and the Politics of Vengeance in the American Revolution (2019).
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Eligibility
Elementary, Middle, and High School teachers in public, charter, independent, religious-affiliated schools, and homeschooling parents are eligible. Teachers will be accepted from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, US territories, as well as from Canada.
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Scholarships
Fort Ticonderoga offers competitive scholarships for teachers to attend the Fort Ticonderoga Teacher Institute. The scholarship includes:
- Overnight accommodations for five nights at the Best Western Plus Ticonderoga Inn and Suites, based on double-occupancy. A limited number of private rooms may be available.
- Welcome dinner on Sunday evening, breakfasts at the hotel Monday through Friday, and lunches at America’s Fort Café Monday through Thursday.
- Admission to Fort Ticonderoga and all Teacher Institute activities.
- Up to $800 to reimburse travel expenses (receipts required).
- All teacher resources and books.
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Application Information
Teachers wishing to attend the Fort Ticonderoga Teacher Institute must submit an application due no later than March 15, 2020. Successful applicants will be notified by April 15, 2020.
Successful applicants will have ten days to accept and pay a $150 deposit. This deposit will be refunded upon receipt and acceptance of the final project, due no later than September 15, 2020.
The most important part of the completed application is a personal statement of up to two double-spaced pages. This document should include information about your professional background and interest in the subject of the Institute; your special perspectives, skills, or experiences that would contribute to the Institute; and how the experience would enhance your teaching or school service.
Applicants should submit a letter of recommendation from the principal of your school or a letter from a department head or peer in support of your application.
Your completed application must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2020, and should be addressed as follows:
Fort Ticonderoga Teacher Institute
Fort Ticonderoga
PO Box 390
Ticonderoga, NY 12883-0390International applications may be submitted by email to rstrum@fort-ticonderoga.org.
Additional Information
Facilities & Housing
Our daily activities will primarily occur in the Mars Education Center at Fort Ticonderoga. Housed within the recreated Magasin du Roi (King’s Warehouse), the Mars Education Center provides modern classroom and meeting spaces with Wi-Fi for the museum’s expanding education and academic programs.
Teacher Institute participants will stay at the Best Western Plus Ticonderoga Inn and Suites, located about two miles from Fort Ticonderoga. Rooms are based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms may be available.
Graduate Credits
Teachers requiring graduate credits can accrue them through an arrangement with Castleton University in Castleton, Vermont. To earn three graduate credits, teachers must meet course requirements by submitting all assignments no later than September 15, 2020. The cost is $375 and will be paid to “Fort Ticonderoga.”
Deadline and Notification
Applications must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2020. Successful applicants will be notified by April 15, 2020, and will have until April 25, 2020, to accept or decline the offer. Teachers accepting the scholarship will need to pay the $150 deposit at the time of acceptance.
Contact Information
Thank you for your interest in the 2020 Teacher Institute! If you have any additional questions, contact Director of Academic Programs, Rich Strum at rstrum@fort-ticonderoga.org or (518) 585-6370.