Programs and Resources for Kentucky Educators

Since 2005, the McConnell Center's Civic Education Program has served educators across the Commonwealth. Our key efforts center on offering opportunities for teachers to broaden their knowledge of great books and ideas; to advance their studies in American history, civics, and leadership; and to strengthen their ability to lead in their classrooms and in their communities. Check out some of our programs and resources designed specifically with educators in mind.

 

Teacher Scholars Program (TSP)

The McConnell Center's Teachers Scholars Program (TSP) is a hybrid-based professional learning program for a select cohort of Kentucky educators. The program, which runs through the academic year, will explore the rich roots of the American Republic. Specifically, participants will focus on the achievements of five major cities/civilizations - Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and Philadelphia - and their unique influence on America. The program will consist of monthly events with top experts from around the country.

Teacher Scholars will receive: 

  • 30+ professional development hours and a certificate of completion
  • Monthly lecture and seminar opportunities with leading scholars
  • All-expenses-paid weekend retreats around the State of Kentucky
  • All-expenses-paid summer trip to Philadelphia, PA
  • Free copies of McConnell Center publications and teaching resources
  • And MORE! 

Weekend Professional Development Retreats

Throughout the year, the McConnell Center hosts weekend conferences for select K-12 Kentucky teachers with expert-led, focused discussions on various subject areas in American history. Topics and locations vary.

Participants will receive: 

  • Professional development hours and a certificate of completion
  • FREE reading and study materials
  • FREE lodging and meals
  • Interactions with current McConnell Scholars and alumni
If selected for a conference, you are required to: 
  • Complete required reading assignments
  • Participate in every scheduled discussion session   

 Click here to view photos from past weekend PD retreats.

In February 2025, the McConnell Center will host a professional development conference for a select group of Kentucky educators to read and discuss Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, a classic in the genre of dystopian literature. 

Dr. Tim Simpson, Associate Dean of the Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University, will lead the conference.

Any Kentucky educator is eligible to apply. Preference will be given to those who are actively teaching in the classroom.

The conference will take place at the Hilton Lexington Downtown in Lexington, KY, beginning Friday evening, February 21, and ending Sunday morning, February 23. A detailed schedule will be shared with selected participants.

Covered expenses include:

 

  • a single occupancy room at the hotel
  • all meals during the conference
  • all conference materials and educational resources

 

Applications are due Monday, December 2, 2024.

For Your Classroom

The McConnell Center offers a number of complimentary resources for Kentucky educators:

Publications

 

DVDs

  • Henry Clay and the Struggle for the Union, a Witnessing History Film
  • Daniel Boone and the Opening of the American West, a Witnessing History Film
  • Dreamers & Doers: Voices of Kentucky Women, a Michael Breeding MEDIA production


Podcasts

  • The McConnell Center Podcast - The McConnell Center Podcast offers thought-provoking conversations with authors, scholars, leaders in the U.S. military and political professionals. Interviews focus on leadership, literature, history, education, politics and life.
  • Vital Remnants - McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg considers how lessons from classic works are relevant to today's leadership opportunities and challenges.


Class Visits

The Center also welcomes school groups to the Civic Education Gallery of the U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and former Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Archives. Guided tours last approximately 90 minutes.