Teacher In-Service Workshops at the Museum

This summer the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is offering free K-12 Teacher In-Service Workshops, scheduled for Monday, July 15 (elementary) and Tuesday, July 16 (middle and high school). Each workshop will consist of:

• 8:30–9:00am – Sign in, pick up educator packets, enjoy doughnuts and coffee
• 9:00am–12:00pm – Birthplace of Country Music Museum activities and resources
• 12:00–12:30pm – Lunch (provided)
• 12:30–3:00pm – “Folklife Across the Curriculum: An Expedition to the Local” Local Learning and Virginia Humanities activities and resources (also relevant to TN educators)

With the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, educators will get an introductory museum tour, exploring the different TN and VA state standards that connect with museum content, including ELA, social sciences, music, STEM, and physical education; an introduction to museum-based lesson plans; a chance to experience Banjo Bingo and/or Instrument Petting Zoo; and access to a variety of educational resources.

The second part of the workshop – featuring Paddy Bowman Founding Director, Local Learning: The National Network for Folk Arts in Education; Katy Clune, Director, Virginia Folklife Program; Peter Hedlund, Director, Encyclopedia Virginia; and Emma Ito, Director of Education, Virginia Humanities – will explore “Folklife Across the Curriculum: An Expedition to the Local.” From rockabilly to hip-hop, hot rods to regalia making, memes to manners, local folklife can enliven learning across disciplines and grade levels. This workshop calls on the traditions of home, school, and community as pathways to deepen students’ understanding of culture, heighten their sense of identity, and inspire critical thinking. Local Learning and these three Virginia Humanities programs will offer free resources, content, and more, all while exploring the ethnographic tools of interviewing, writing, sketching, and analyzing artifacts. Participants can expect hands-on engagement, collaborative learning, and fresh perspectives about the dynamic nature of folklife and the humanities and why they matter in preparing young people to face the future in our complex world. Please note: While this part of the workshop is led by Virginia organizations, the content included will also be relevant to educators from Tennessee.

Teachers will each receive an educator packet with information about the three organizations and their resources, classroom and other swag, a complimentary ticket to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a VISA gift card, and six (6) hours of professional development (licensure) credit. There will also be door/raffle prizes!

Sign up today for a distinctively fun and educational professional development opportunity to learn more about a variety of learning resources and ideas!