ARLINGTON, VA— Michael Chamberland, a teacher at Sedan High School, traveled to Washington, D.C., July 8-10 to participate in the Bill of Rights Institute’s inaugural “Kansas and West Texas Teachers to D.C.: Historic Encounters” program.

“The teachers chosen to participate have demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching their students about the words and ideas of America’s Founders,” said Victoria Hughes, president of the Bill of Rights Institute. “They are dedicated to teaching about the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles shape our society. This Bill of Rights Institute program provided an opportunity for these teachers to visit the historical and political landmarks they discuss with their students.”

The non-profit Institute covered all travel costs and other expenses for the 15 teachers chosen for the program.

The teachers saw Mount Vernon, the National Archives, and Gunston Hall, home of George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, precursor to the Bill of Rights. They also heard lectures on America’s founding presented by experts at the various venues and by Stuart Leibiger, assistant professor of history at Le Salle University in Pennsylvania who is a scholar on George Washington and James Madison.

“For those who think America’s history is too often forgotten, these teachers are proof that there remains a deep respect for this country, its founding, and the enduring principles that each generation bequeaths to the next,” said Hughes.

Teachers were selected because of their long-time involvement with various Bill of Rights Institute classroom programs, as well as a proven record of excellence in civics education.

“We know that students in Kansas will benefit from what their teachers gained by this experience,” said Susan Addington, community relations manager for the Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation. “These are teachers who have demonstrated a strong commitment to civics education, and we are confident they will be eager to share what they learned to inspire their students.”

Said winning teacher Chamberland of the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., “This trip is a pilgrimage to the people and places I have read and taught about for over three decades. I look forward to a better understanding of the environment, culture, and the sacrifices of those individuals who still have a dramatic impact on this country’s development.”

Founded in 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a nonprofit education organization. The mission of the Bill of Rights Institute is to educate young people about the words and ideas of America’s Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free country.

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