OKLAHOMA CITY — Thirty-four Oklahoma fifth and eighth grade teachers immersed themselves in early American history at the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute in June.
The renowned institute is held in and around Colonial Williamsburg, the restored capital city of 18th-century Virginia. During their time at the institute, teachers meet character interpreters and participate in hands-on activities and reenactments.
“I have learned about so many historical activities to allow my students to experience the past in a hands-on way,” said Aimee Arnold, a fifth grade history teacher at Purcell Intermediate School. “Before this experience, I did a lot of lecturing and having the students memorize information. Now I will be able to give hands-on activities that relate to historical stories and events. I hope to make history come alive.”
The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence coordinates the selection of educators from the state for fellowships that cover the institute’s costs, including program activities, airfare, lodging, meals and a stipend for classroom materials.
Attendees spoke of how deeply the professional development opportunity impacted them.
“This trip was truly life-changing,” said Amanda Bekkelund, a fifth and sixth grade social studies teacher at Okarche Elementary School. “It will forever change the way I teach. A fire has been lit, and I cannot wait to spread this passion and excitement to students about history, but more importantly the details and experiences from this trip that make it mean so much more.”
Educators had the opportunity to explore Jamestown and Yorktown, an experience many said was particularly moving.
“One of the biggest highlights was visiting Surrender Field in Yorktown,” said Kenneth Trinidad, fifth grade teacher at Union’s Alex Ochoa Elementary School. “The chills that overcame my body walking onto that field were unlike any other. Knowing what took place there, knowing that is where our great nation started, the weight of it all brought most of us to tears.”
Held June 2-7, the fifth grade teacher institute focused on the daily life of colonial Virginians and the transition from subject to citizen that occurred during the Revolutionary War period.
Vanna Owens of Claremore served as facilitator for the fifth grade Oklahoma educators. She met daily with teachers to discuss interactive teaching techniques and help develop creative lesson plans based on their experiences.
The eighth grade teacher institute, which took place from June 9-14, looked at how the concept of American identity began in the colonial period and continues to evolve and transform with each generation.
The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, has coordinated Oklahoma’s participation in the institute since 1993.
The program is made possible through the leadership and support of the late Oklahoma City businessman Edward C. Joullian III. Joullian was an active supporter and former board member of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and an OFE trustee. Joullian’s family, along with a group of loyal donors, continues to support the fellowship program, which has served 1,180 Oklahoma teachers since 1993.
Fifth Grade CWTI Fellows
Aimee Arnold, Purcell Intermediate School (Purcell)
Madison Austin, Lincoln Elementary School (Chickasha)
Amanda Bekkelund, Okarche Elementary School (Okarche)
Kala Butler, Lone Star School in Sapulpa (Lone Star)
Jenifer Bynum, Choctaw Elementary School (Choctaw Nicoma Park)
Chelsie Clapp, Alexander Elementary School (Commerce)
Stephanie Cobb, Kennedy Elementary School (Norman)
Jennifer Coonfield Kelly, Eisenhower International School (Tulsa)
Betsy Davidson, Northmoor Elementary School (Moore)
Molly Gann, Marlow Elementary School (Marlow)
Martha Kennedy, Madison Elementary School (Norman)
Taylor Kirtley, Madison Elementary School (Norman)
Amy LeClaire, Choctaw Elementary School (Choctaw Nicoma Park)
Kara Martin, Redstone Intermediate School (Yukon)
Kari Millan, Andersen Elementary (Union)
Brenda Payton, Piedmont Intermediate School (Piedmont)
Brandi Pierce, Turkey Ford Elementary School in Wyandotte (Turkey Ford)
Shana Ramirez, Zarrow International School (Tulsa)
Jan Reed, Sweetwater Public School (Sweetwater)
Casey Rice, Smith Elementary School (Owasso)
Lisa Sizelove, Frederick Elementary School (Frederick)
Kenneth Trinidad, Ellen Ochoa Elementary (Union)
Jordyn VanBuskirk, Piedmont Intermediate School (Piedmont)
Tammy Walls, Middleberg Public School (Middleberg)
Eighth Grade CWTI Fellows
Sabina Barta, Perkins-Tryon Middle School (Perkins-Tryon)
John Creter, Longfellow Middle School (Norman)
Samantha Crissup, Mustang Central Middle School (Mustang)
Wythe Dodson, Ernest Childers Middle School (Broken Arrow)
Sherri Lohmann-Fast, Pioneer Pleasant Vale Junior High (Enid)
Elizabeth Golliver, Chandler Junior High (Chandler)
Casey Hitchcock, Boswell Public Schools (Boswell)
Anthony Muscari, Western Oaks Middle School (Putnam City)
Chris Myers, Canadian Valley Christian Academy in Yukon
Greg Wehrer, Blanchard Middle School (Blanchard)
Note: School district is in parentheses
