Riley Institute program for South Carolina teachers enhances civics education

Eight social studies teachers from across South Carolina came to Furman July 12 to kick off a week-long immersive professional development experience hosted by The Riley Institute.

The Teachers of Government program, now in its 19^th year, is designed to enhance civic education in the state.

Teachers of Government program participants at the National Archives, where they received hands-on professional training before touring the exhibits.

“All corners of public education have seen significant challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s well known that teachers are burned out,” said Liz Smith, professor of politics and international affairs, who runs the program. “We also know that democratic citizens are made, not born. This program aims to build the skills, knowledge and excitement among social studies teachers whose work with students is so vital to a functioning democracy.”

Teachers of Government participants began the program with a full-day session at Furman, where they heard from a variety of faculty members on key subjects within their fields. Professor of Politics and International Affairs Danielle Vinson discussed media and polarized politics, while constitutional law expert Professor Teresa Nesbitt Cosby offered a lecture on the modern Supreme Court.

“While I was familiar with both topic prior to these sessions, Professors Vinson and Cosby provided further context and understanding to the intricacies of polarization and the Supreme Court that I am now able to use to help answer and guide students in class,” said Kelsey Carter of Buford High School in Lancaster.

Professors Glen Halva-Neubauer and Scott Henderson offered additional sessions on minority voting trends and teaching the Holocaust, respectively. Teachers also received a tour of Furman’s campus during their stay to learn more about what the university could offer their college-bound students.

The group then traveled to Washington, D.C., for a week, where they had the opportunity to tour Smithsonian museums, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and other sites. Teachers participated in hands-on professional development sessions with museum education specialists and learned about new resources they could use in their classrooms.

Teachers of Government program participants at the Capitol, where they received a tour and got to go on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The week in the nation’s capital was also an opportunity to meet and bond with other like-minded teachers to exchange ideas and feel supported in their work.

“My favorite part of the program was being with people who are ‘my people.’ They love to study American history and government, and it’s just been a lot of fun to tour with people who are as excited about everything as I am,” said Kim White of Forrest Creek Middle School in Fort Mill.

One highlight of the trip was a panel featuring Furman graduates Joseph Kennedy ’15, Joe Fretwell ’16, John Bleed ’17, and Jackson Phillips ’23. They discussed their path to their current D.C.-based jobs. Many said their high school social studies teachers sparked their initial interest in government and politics. An additional 15 Furman graduates joined the group for dinner after the discussion.

“Being able to talk with Furman alumni who work on both sides of the aisle and hear their firsthand accounts of how items get through the U.S. government was refreshing and uplifting, especially when compared to the media’s focus on heavily divisive issues and salacious headlines,” said Sarah Olenchak of Busbee Creative Arts Academy in Cayce.

Smith said, “It was heartwarming to see so many Furman graduates take time out of their busy schedules to support this program and incredibly special for teachers to hear from relatively recent graduates that what they do matters and changes the trajectory of young people’s lives.”

An additional highlight of the trip was an extended tour of the Capitol, including an opportunity to be on the floor of the House of Representatives—unique access that was not lost on the participants.

“Although I’ve been to D.C. several times, I don’t think I could’ve planned it in the way that this trip was planned—seeing as many things as I did…having tours that helped put things into perspective,” said Stephanie Morris from Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro. “I think it would be beneficial for any teacher to have this experience.”

Joe Fretwell ’16, Joseph Kennedy ’15, Jackson Phillips ’23 and John Bleed ’17 served as panelists on a discussion about their career paths to Washington, D.C., and their lived experiences working in American politics.

Teachers of Government is held every summer. It’s s open to all middle and high school South Carolina government teachers and is free for participants. The program honors former U.S. Secretary of Education Dick Riley ’54 and his focus on both public education and civics as the bedrock of a healthy democracy.

“It’s been such an honor to run this program for nearly 20 years and to carry on Secretary Riley’s legacy in this way,” Smith said. “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity energizes teachers before they get back in the classroom and reminds them of the deep significance of their work to the health of our state and nation.”