Teaching with Primary SourcesThe three-step Teaching with Primary Sources Professional Development Program was developed by the Northern Virginia Partnership. The program is designed to develop Library of Congress patrons who use the Library's digital historical sources as essential tools in teaching and learning across the curriculum. Participants learn to use the vast resources available at LOC.gov for visitors, researchers, and docents.

Step One: LOC.gov Essentials

Step One: LOC.gov Essentials is a three part professional development program. This program is designed to showcase the breadth of Library of Congress resources and the instructional uses of primary sources to deepen student understanding. The program includes: Discover the Library of Congress (small team), Learn with Primary Sources workshop series, and Design and Teach Institutes: LibraryQuest, Pathfinders, and Lesson Institutes.

Step Two: Subject Specific Programs

Step Two: Subject Specific Programs are created to foster ongoing use of the Library of Congress resources. Step Two offers a variety of programs narrowly focused on specific topics or subjects that result in primary source-based instructional products with a large dissemination to perpetuate the use of Library of Congress resources.

Step Three: Ambassadors for Learning

Ambassadors for Learning provide teacher leadership opportunities that foster the use of Library of Congress digital primary sources through inquiry-based instruction designed for all ages and subject areas. Teachers become Ambassadors through application. Participation in Steps One and Two of the Professional Development Program and the Ambassadors Academy is required. Ambassadors play a key role in "getting the word out" about the benefits of primary source-based instruction to the educational community and beyond. Ambassadors may:

  • Serve at the school, school district, or state level facilitating professional development programs.
  • Participate in research that examines student achievement in differentiated primary source-based Learning Experiences.
  • Present primary source-based Learning Experiences at educational conferences, with an emphasis on state level opportunities.
  • Publish and review additional Library of Congress primary source-based content to be shared with other teachers.