What is Teachers of Government?
The Riley Institute’s Teachers of Government summer program makes social studies and civics education in our state’s middle and high schools more compelling and relevant by taking teachers of government and civics on a weeklong professional development journey to Washington, D.C. This program is free of charge to accepted particpants.
Program Overview
Led by Furman professors, participants spend a day at Furman University and then travel to Washington, D.C., where they tour important sites for the study of American government, hear lectures from distinguished scholars, attend congressional committee hearings, meet with senators and representatives, and visit public policy organizations. The combination of intensive learning, networking and exposure to decision-makers is designed to improve teaching skills, increase knowledge, and expand useful contacts. To learn more, review the FAQs below.
Participants are eligible to receive graduate professional development credit from Furman by paying a minimal tuition per credit hour. For more information, contact Dr. Elizabeth Smith, Politics and International Affairs professor and Teachers of Government program coordinator.
The 2026 Teachers of Government program is taking place July 10-17, 2026, splitting time between Greenville, S.C. and Washington, D.C. Applications are open through Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5 p.m.
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“[I]t was the experiential learning I gained through the Riley Institute’s Teachers of Government program that brought me a hands-on and enriching understanding of the content and made me a better civics teacher." -Sara Crider, 2019 participant -
“Teachers of Government was a life-changing experience. I know my teaching drastically improved after this trip, and this was by far the best professional development I have ever attended.” -Crystal Whitaker, 2017 participant
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"This was an incredible opportunity to learn about various resources, and also get to meet teachers from around the state and share fresh ideas with each other." -Kelsey Carter, 2024 participant
Frequently Asked Questions
Middle and high school teachers of government or politics, including social studies, geography, world and American politics, and related areas are encouraged to apply. Teachers must have at least one full year of experience teaching in the related area.
Most expenses including housing, food, and travel to Washington, D.C., are paid for by the Riley Institute through public and private grants. Participants are responsible for their transportation to Greenville, S.C.
All participants receive a certificate upon completion of the program and are eligible to receive three hours of graduate professional development credit from Furman. Tuition for these credit hours will be partially subsidized by the Riley Institute. Participants interested in receiving credit will be responsible for paying a minimal tuition per credit hour (approximately $105 per credit hour plus a one-time $50 registration fee).
The Teachers of Government program is certain to expose you to resources and tours you have not had access to before, even if you have been to Washington, D.C. Below are some sample sites and activities from past Teachers of Government trips. Please note that these are representative. Activities vary from year to year.
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Show
National Archives Professional Development Workshop
Ford’s Theatre
National Museum of American History Docent Tour
C-SPAN Resource Presentation and Studio Tour
American Art/Portraiture Museum Docent Tour
Museum of African American History and Culture
Library of Congress Resource Presentation and Tour
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
U.S. Capitol Tour
U.S. Supreme Court Presentation
If you are accepted and choose to take part in the program, you will be responsible for making travel arrangements to Greenville, S.C. Additionally, you will receive a reading packet in advance of the program start to inform discussion with Furman University faculty during your learning day on campus. You will also be asked to prepare a small presentation for the wider group.
Once in Washington, D.C., your main job will be to take in the information and actively participate in discussions with our hosts and tour guides.
Please note there is a lot of walking and use of public transit while in Washington. If you have mobility issues, please notify Liz Smith in advance of the trip so that we may try to accommodate you.
Program Highlights
Lesson Plans
During the two-week program, teachers are provided with structured opportunities to network with others in their field, promoting the sharing ideas and best practices. As a result of those experiences, past participants have submitted lesson plans to be used by their colleagues who may benefit from their ideas.