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. 

TSP 2026, which will coincide with the 250th anniversary of America's founding, will be part of a larger project at the McConnell Center known as "America's Autobiography." Using a brand new book compiled by the McConnell Center, teachers will study and discuss core primary source documents that tell America's story or "autobiography." Each teacher will receive a classroom set of the book, which was intentionally designed with Kentucky social studies standards in mind.

Teacher Scholars will also receive: 

  • 50+ 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 Mount Rushmore
  • Classroom sets of McConnell Center publications and teaching resources
  • And MORE! 

Click here to view photos from past TSP events and trips.

Applications for the 2026 TSP are due December 12, 2025. 

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.

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.