Professional Development

Document Analysis Workshops

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum Education team conducts workshops for a wide range of K-12 and college educators. These sessions provide educators not only with an overview of the tools and resources of the Carter Library and National Archives, but a variety of topics and approaches to engage their students in American civics and primary source analysis.

All professional development offerings are available remotely or onsite.

To schedule a workshop or to obtain further details, contact Education staff by email at carter.education@nara.gov.

Civics for All of US Teacher Workshops from the National Archives

Target Audience: Teachers Grades K-12

Each online workshop will explore how to use primary sources to delve into the big ideas of the Consitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. Visit https://www.civics.archives.go... to view and register for upcoming scheduled workshops.

Introduction to Research & Education at the Carter Presidential Library & Museum

Target Audience: Teachers Grades K-12, College Students

This workshop is designed as an introduction for teachers who are unfamiliar with the programs and resources of the Carter Presidential Library and National Archives. Participants are provided an overview of the Library’s onsite and distance learning programming options for their students, with an emphasis on online research tools and resources available.

Teaching Civic Literacy & Engagement with Primary Sources

Target Audience: Teachers Grades 2-12

This workshop will provide participants with a framework for teaching history and civic engagement with the holdings of the Carter Library and National Archives, with an emphasis on addressing the following five essential questions:

1) What does an individual gain from being civically aware and engaged?

2) What tools are available for individuals, and groups, to share in and shape our democracy?

3) How have these tools been used by others in the past?

4) How can an ordinary individual use the tools in their lives and communities?

5) How is America made stronger, better and more democratic by citizen participation?

National History Day: Using Presidential Library & National Archives Resources

Target Audience: Teachers Grades 6-12

To support teachers promoting National History Day with their students, this workshop provides immersion in the digital resources available from the Carter Library and National Archives. This 30-minute session will include discussion of remote staff support available to students, topics related to the latest contest theme, and access to online document sets and tools to streamline research for students unable to conduct research onsite.

Crossroads of Curriculum: The Camp David Accords

Target Audience: Teachers Grades 9-12

This workshop contextualizes the diplomatic, economic, cultural and military interactions between empires, nations and peoples in the 20th century that shaped America’s increasingly important role in the world and set the stage for The Camp David Peace Accords. In particular, this topic will be examined through the lens of The Cold War and American Civics. This workshop will include a session in effectively utilizing online primary sources made available on the Carter Library and National Archives websites for classroom or distance learning instruction.

Presidential Powers & Precedents: Jimmy Carter, Alaska & the Antiquities Act

Target Audience: Middle & High School Social Studies and AP U.S. History Teachers.

Controversial since its inception, the Antiquities Act of 1906 gives the President the power to circumvent Congress when they feel decisive action is needed to protect historical, cultural and scientific resources. Between 1978 and 1980, President Carter used it as leverage to bring Congress to the table and pass the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), protecting over 150 million acres of public land and expediting implementation of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. In response, Alaskans would burn him in effigy next to the Ayatollah. Was he justified or did he exceed his Constitutional authority? Were there checks or balances to his actions by the other branches of government or state governments? Has the Antiquities Act strengthened or weakened our democracy? These and other questions will be discussed during this workshop that will examine primary sources from the holdings of the Carter Library and National Archives Catalog.

Civic Literacy: Jimmy Carter & The Energy Crisis

Target Audience: Middle & High School Social Studies and AP U.S. History Teachers.

Less than two weeks after assuming the Presidency in 1977, Jimmy Carter addressed the nation in a televised “fireside chat” to speak to Americans about the looming Energy Crisis. What events had brought our nation to these dire circumstances with such a far-reaching impact on the daily lives of Americans? What tools and resources does the Constitution provide the Executive branch to take on such a crisis? What roles do other branches of government play? This workshop will examine the 39th President’s response to this crisis through a constitutional lens and provide teachers with new perspectives on incorporating the primary sources of the Carter Library and National Archives into their curriculum.

  • July, 2023

  • 2023 Civics for All of US Teacher Institute with the National Archives

    EducationEducation - Professional Development July 17, 2023-July 21, 2023
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    Teachers working with grades 3–12 are invited to apply for the inaugural Civics for All of US Teacher Institute with the National Archives taking place in Washington, DC, from July 17–21, 2023. This five-day institute will include special tours and activities in the National Archives Museum, guest speakers, hands-on sessions featuring strategies for teaching civics with primary sources, and site visits to additional landmarks and museums in the nation’s capital. Each participant will receive a stipend to help cover travel and other expenses. Learn more here and apply by 03/31/23.

    The 2023 Civics for All of US Teacher Institute is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation.

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