The grant focuses on the establishment of a network of master teachers and the assurance that these teachers and their administrators in rural Missouri have access to skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to their task. Participation offers a cost-free method of gaining skills, graduate credit, and access to a network of historians. The Chillicothe R-II School district is in partnership with Missouri Western State University, Central Methodist University, Truman Presidential Museum and Library, the State of Missouri's Office of the Secretary of State Archives.

The program will consist of one-day programs during the school year and a one-or three-week class (depending on your level of involvement) that will give teachers the opportunity to gain from two to five hours of graduate credit per year. Teachers may choose to participate one, two, or three years depending on their needs and/or summer schedule. The hours are free and teachers will be paid a per diem for parts of the program.

WHO CAN APPLY?
Any American History teachers living within a practical geographic proximity to Chillicothe (north central), Missouri, grades K-12, who teach the basic objectives of American history and wish to acquire skills and additional credit toward career advancement are invited to participate. If individuals feel they can drive to Chillicothe, Missouri, easily without hardship, then they are welcome.

WHY SHOULD YOU GET INVOLVED?
We are offering you educational experiences from state and national sources that are not easily accessed by the rural educator. You can become a part of a network of historians and earn free graduate credit, plus have the opportunity to travel to places where our history was made for little or no personal monetary expense. You may attend any or all of the one-day workshops or as much as all three of the summer institutes. Everything is by your choice - there is no commitment other than your time and effort!

TAKE THE JOURNEY WITH US
If you or an American History teacher you know are interested in participating in this program and taking the journey with us, please email Mike Lair, Project Director or call him at 660-646-0700, Ext. 235. You are asked to complete the short Needs Assessment Form and submit by printing it and faxing it to Mike Lair at 660-646-7106. The assessment assists us in selecting topics for the one-day in-service meetings.

The first one-day in-service meeting was held Monday, January 31, 2005, at Chillicothe High School. Coffee and lunch were provided. Visit our calendar page for current events.