The institute is an intensive, six-day professional development program on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Participants take part in lectures and discussions on constitutional themes pertinent to the curriculum content, classroom strategies, and performance assessment. An essential component of the institute is teacher preparation and participation in a simulated congressional hearing as a culminating activity. The hearing is a model for student hearings to be held during the school year. Experienced teacher mentors assist participants in discussing the challenges of teaching civic education and preparing for the culminating hearing.

Lecture, teaching method, and assessment content include the following topics correlated to the TEKS and TAKS:

• What Are the Historical and Philosophical Foundations of the American Political System?
• How Did the Framers Create the Constitution?
• How Did the Values and Principles Embodied in the Constitution Shape American Institutions and Practices?
• How Have the Protections of the Bill of Rights Been Developed and Expanded?
• What Rights Does the Bill of Rights Protect?
• What Are the Roles of the Citizen in American Democracy?

For a $75.00 registration fee, participants will receive:

• airfare or ground transportation to and from the institute
• lodging and meals
• a library of Constitutional literature
• a set of textbooks and other materials for classroom use

Participation in the institute--professional development worth more than $2000--obligates the recipient to conduct a simulated congressional hearing in his/her classroom. State and congressional district coordinators for We the People...will assist with this and other program implementation. Deadline for registration is June 3, 2008.

In order to apply for We The People State Institute, each applicant must complete the following:

• Pay the registration fee of $75.00 (plus $25 self-parking or $75 valet fee for participants staying at the hotel).   Pay online or make check payable to the State Bar of Texas.
• Written statement.

• Secure administrative support for a We the People . . . simulated congressional hearing in your classroom.  
• Enclose two letters of recommendation from past or present colleagues.

ALL APPLICANTS will need to submit required paperwork outlined above even if you register online to be considered for attendance to the We The People Texas Institute.

For more information, e-mail ldeleon@texasbar.com or call 800/204-2222, ext. 1820 or 512/427-1820.

On-line registration is currently not available. Please download the PDF application below and mail or fax, 512/475-1904. We apoligize for the inconvenience.

To Download PDF Application, Click here!

Application must be postmarked by June 3, 2008