Since 2001, the Federal Department of Education has funded a limited number of projects to improve the quality of American History Education in it’s Public Schools. In 2005, 13 school districts in Upper East Tennessee were included in this National initiative with the awarding of a grant to the Tennessee’s First Frontier Consortium that was written to help teachers and their students appreciate History “through a local lens.” It is our belief that by examining the events that happened locally, people young and old alike gain a stronger relationship to the larger themes of American History. This exciting project allows teachers an opportunity to engage with History Professors, fellow teachers, and members of the local History community to form a network of professionals working toward informing a new generation about East Tennessee’s role in America’s Past.

Participants in TFFC will attend week-long Summer Institutes, which emphasize content, local and primary resources, technology and methods. Participation continues through the academic year as teachers receive post-institute support from a dedicated graduate student, attend specially designed workshops and lectures, as well as visit and work with scholars and staff of various cultural institutions within the region.

This project is part of a nationwide Teaching American History grant program funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement, Academic Improvement and Demonstration Programs Award # U215X050264