Recently, Adam Decker, the 6th-8th grade social studies teacher, Academic Team coach, and basketball coach at Chandlers Elementary, had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of participating in a colloquium on “George Washington as President of the United States” at Mount Vernon, Va.
Mr. Decker was chosen to participate in this seminar through an application process with the Ashbrook Center, which is funded by Teaching American History and Ashland University in Ohio.
Along with 22 other social studies teachers from across the nation, Mr. Decker and his peers studied, interpreted, and discussed numerous topics important to the presidency of George Washington, using numerous primary sources and handwritten letters from Washington.
During the weekend of Nov. 13 – 15, the group utilized Washington’s presidential library as well as had special access to Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation with private tours as well as housing accommodations on the grounds.
“It was definitely one of the most impactful and inspiring experiences of my life,” he said. “I knew I was in the presence of greatness and the most influential man in our country’s history. I only hope to bring the passion I felt during this experience back to my students.”