A Richmond teacher was selected to participate in a one-day teacher workshop on Texas history sponsored by Humanities Texas and the Texas State Historical Association.
Dennis O’Callaghan, who teaches Texas history and social studies at James Bowie Middle School, attended the workshop, which took place in Houston on October 14. The program offered teachers the opportunity to work closely with leading scholars, studying major aspects of Texas history from Spanish Texas through the Civil War.
The workshop faculty comprised distinguished scholars from leading Texas universities, including former state historian and Texas State University professor of history Jesús F. de la Teja, Walter L. Buenger of Texas A&M University, Gregg Cantrell of Texas Christian University, Stephanie Cole of The University of Texas at Arlington, Caroline Castillo Crimm of Sam Houston State University and Richard B. McCaslin of the University of North Texas.
The workshop was highly selective. More than 140 teachers from across the state applied to attend. Early-career teachers in low-performing schools and districts were given first priority.
Special emphasis was placed on newly added or revised standards in the state’s Texas history curriculum.
“Humanities Texas was delighted to partner with the Texas State Historical Association on this educational endeavor,” said Executive Director Michael L. Gillette. “Bringing teachers together to learn from leading scholars and from each other is an effective way to ensure that Texas students continue to receive the best possible educational opportunities.”
Likewise, Texas State Historical Association Executive Director, Kent Calder stated, “We were very glad to collaborate with Humanities Texas in furthering the TSHA’s mission of supporting and enhancing the teaching of Texas history and ensuring that it remains a part of the curriculum at all levels.”
The workshop was made possible with support from the State of Texas at the initiative of Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, as well as from the National Endowment for the Humanities We the People initiative.