Our Purpose
We support teachers of American history, government and civics, believing they do the most important work in America. We help them bring the documents and debates of America’s past into the present through free document-based seminars, document collections both online and in print, and other resources. We are dedicated to making every American history, government, and civics class in America its best.
Why Primary Documents?
Primary documents present America’s story in the words of those who wrote it. When students read these documents they have direct access to the minds of those, both great and humble, who shaped our nation’s history. They can see the challenges earlier generations faced, examine their intentions, and join the great debates that guided their choices. As a teacher in our programs put it, “reading primary documents allows students to ask questions of themselves, ask questions of each other, and ultimately ask questions of history.”
Why Conversation?
Our seminars aim to be serious conversations about the enduring issues of American history and government because conversation is the best way to deepen learning. Equally important, what a serious conversation requires of its participants – concern for the truth, listening to others, waiting one’s turn to speak, modest but assertive statements of one’s views, respect for the views of others, etc. – are, writ large, the virtues required of citizens in our republic. Each of our seminars, then, is in a sense a small republic, an example of self-government, and a vindication of the principles of liberty and equality upon which our way of life rests.
Who Are Our Teacher Partners?
Our teacher partners come from all over the country, and participate in a variety of free one-day and multi-day online or in person seminars; professional certification programs; and webinars. Some enter our Master's in American History and Government program. All benefit from our discussion-based seminars and the community of learning and practice they foster.
At its best, an American history, government or civics class strengthens the American republic by inculcating the manners, understanding, and inclinations self-governing citizens require.
Who Are Our Faculty?
In TAH seminars, you will study with scholars eager to discuss key documents in American history. Our faculty come from colleges and universities across the United States, including Boston College, the University of Dallas, Skidmore College, the United States Military Academy, and the University of Oklahoma.
We are dedicated to making every American history and government class in America its best.
Teaching American History provides a variety of resources, courses, and programs to help classroom teachers improve their knowledge of American history, government, and civics. Everything Teaching American History does revolves around discussion of primary documents. Our goal is to help teachers acquire the content knowledge, resources and confidence they need to make each American history, government or civics class in America its best.