Monet Baker-Weatherspoon, a civics teacher and Social Studies department lead, was one of 100 educators chosen as a delegate for the “We the Teachers: Preparing the Next Generation Through History & Civics” national fellowship at William & Mary.
“As a civics educator, I am committed to ensuring students understand their rights, responsibilities, and role in society,” said Baker-Weatherspoon. “This fellowship will strengthen my ability to bring meaningful, engaging civic learning experiences back to my classroom and school community.”
Taking place in July 2026 and timed with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the four-day Congress of Educators will bring participants to Virginia’s Historic Triangle—Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. They’ll engage in hands-on learning rooted in the nation’s founding. Through primary source analysis, civil dialogue, and inquiry-based learning, teachers will explore new ways to bring history to life for their students.
“These teacher-leaders will explore America’s founding where it happened—walking the same ground as the founders, grappling with the same questions—and prepare them to lead this work back in their home states,” said Mark Hofer, executive director of Strategic Cultural Partnerships and professor in the W&M School of Education.
Led by William & Mary’s Strategic Cultural Partnerships division in collaboration with the National Council for History Education, the fellowship is funded by a $2.89 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education and is designed to support high-quality history and civics instruction across the country.
In addition to being tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary, this fellowship is aimed at helping educators strengthen civic understanding in classrooms nationwide. Participants will return home with ready-to-use resources, professional learning tools, and access to ongoing support through micro-courses and digital credentials. “This is an incredible honor,” said Dr. April Slade, Director of Social Studies. “I am proud to have DCPS represented as part of this national cohort.”
ABOUT WE THE TEACHERS
We the Teachers: Preparing the Next Generation Through History & Civics is administered through the W&M’s Strategic Cultural Partnerships division in partnership with the National Council for History Education and supported by a three-year $2.89 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The program equips K–12 educators with deep content knowledge, evidence-based pedagogy, and classroom-ready tools that connect America’s founding principles to civic life. Over three years, the program will convene 300 teacher delegates from all 50 states and reach thousands more through free online professional development. Learn more at wm.edu/scp.
ABOUT WILLIAM & MARY
Founded by Royal Charter in 1693, William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the country. The Alma Mater of the Nation is a preeminent university, combining the depth and breadth of a liberal arts and sciences education with the disciplined exploration and innovation of a leading, global research university. A vibrant and inclusive community, William & Mary cultivates creative thinkers, principled leaders and compassionate global citizens equipped for lives of meaning and distinction. As a “Public Ivy,” the university convenes great minds and hearts to meet the most pressing needs of our time.