About the Emerging America Teaching American History Program

In 2006 Hampshire Educational Collaborative (HEC) received a three-year Teaching American History grant of $1 million from the U.S. Department of Education. HEC works in partnership with local museums, the University of Massachusetts, (see links in side bar) and a number of local school systems. Through a rich mix of professional development and technical assistance for hands-on projects, the Emerging America program seeks to:

• Help teachers develop and apply a rich knowledge of key themes in traditional American History.
• Train participants to deliver high quality traditional American History instruction in their schools and districts.

Events are open to Massachusetts school teachers in grades K-12. Priority given to teachers with full-time positions. Events engage teachers both in grade-specific and in K-12 activities. Teachers may receive PDPs or graduate credit from Fitchburg State College. Teachers may receive $1,000 for 80 hours of professional development or $500 for 52 hours, as they select from a menu of options. Only public school teachers may receive program stipends.