Session 3
(10:15 - 11:00)

Presenter & Affiliation:  Jeremy Goldstein, The Trust for the National Mall

Session Description: This session introduces the National Mall Gateway, a free platform developed by the Trust for the National Mall and National Park Service. Attendees will discover how this innovative tool transforms the National Mall—America's "Front Yard"—into an accessible Civic Learning experience for all students, both onsite and in classrooms nationwide. Addressing the misconception that every student visits the Mall or easily accesses its resources, educators will engage in facilitated discussions while exploring personalized tours, immersive environments, and K-12 activities. Using an experiential "Preparation, Activity, Reflection" model, the Gateway prepares students for America's 250th anniversary and connects them to our nation's living monument to democracy.

Room: Lavender

Presenter & Affiliation: David Olsen, Retro Report

Session Description:  This interactive session will connect participants with engaging and media-rich resources designed to help students explore the complexities of executive power in U.S. history and government. Using short documentary films and accompanying instructional materials from Retro Report, attendees will engage with key moments in history that illustrate the broad, and sometimes contested, powers of the presidency.

Room: Rosemary

Presenter & Affiliation: Lori Rech, Bill of Rights Institute

Session Description:  Join us as we explore how the debates, public opinion, and U.S. policy on immigration evolved from our history. This session will also include a discussion and debrief on how the current debates on immigration are influenced by the historical evolution in immigration law and policy. 

Room: 184

Presenter & Affiliation:  Catherine VanDyke, Jamestown Yorktown Foundation

Session Description:  Help your students view history through the eyes of those who lived it. During this session, participants and JYF staff will explore diverse stories of 17th and 18th century individuals using primary sources, thinking routines, and activities to analyze how individuals made choices based on their own unique circumstances, ideals, and perspectives. Participants will walk away with a wealth of ready-made, free resources that enhance literacy and historical-thinking skills while cultivating curiosity, critical thinking, and historical empathy along with practical strategies for integrating personal narratives into their curriculum to deepen student engagement and understanding.

Room: Thyme

Presenter & Affiliation: Erica Richardson, Joppatowne HS (MD) and Dr. Samantha Averett, Roosevelt HS (DC)

Session Description:  This session is designed for preservice teachers who are ready to embark on their new career. This session will equip you with strategies and practical tools to make the classroom transition smoother for new teachers and their students. 

Room: Sage