Teacher Institute Programs

Individual scholarships are available each year for educators who work in or support social studies instruction in any public school in the United States. These scholarships are the result of the generosity of many Colonial Williamsburg Foundation friends, their deep commitment to and respect for teachers, and their understanding of the teacher’s role in educating the citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

Matching grants are available each year for educators who work in or support social studies instruction in any public school in the United States. If the school/district will fund one teacher, Colonial Williamsburg will provide the tuition and transportation for another teacher from the same school or district. Both teachers must: 1) apply separately and list each other on their applications, and 2) work through the process with and confirm matching funding from the school/district.

Teachers who wish to pay their own tuition, or whose school districts wish to pay for them, to attend the summer 2026 program should contact teacherdevelopment@cwf.org.

Contact Teacher Development at teacherdevelopment@cwf.org for more information regarding scholarships, matching grants, or tuition.

Applicants will complete an online application that includes three short essay responses about their teaching experience and interest in the program. Applicants may also choose to upload additional materials that strengthen their application—such as a résumé, CV, lesson plan, or professional certification—and have the option to submit a letter of recommendation.

As part of the application, teachers will indicate their preferred program dates and select their grade-level track (elementary or secondary).

While the program focuses on history and civics, teachers of all subjects are encouraged to apply. Alumni of the Teacher Institute are welcome to reapply; however, preference will be given to applicants who have not previously attended.

Summer Teacher Institute Participants will stay at the Williamsburg Lodge Hotel and Conference Center adjacent to the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute building.  All participants will share double occupancy rooms with assigned roommates of the same gender.

• For an additional charge of $550.00, private rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Due to the nature of the accommodation, we will be unable to confirm your rooming assignment until the day you arrive unless you have specifically requested a fellow participant.

Almost all meals (and their gratuities) are included as part of the Teacher Institute. We will provide a variety of different meals throughout your week with us:

• Breakfast at the Williamsburg Lodge Hotel
• Buffet Lunches and Dinners (Provides you with lots of choices)
• Boxed Lunches
• Seated Dinner at a Colonial Williamsburg Tavern
• Dinner On Your Own
• You can use your provided gift card to purchase dinner on this night if you go to a Colonial Williamsburg restaurant.

Yes, attending a week-long Teacher Institute session provides the option to apply for three hours of graduate education credit from the University of San Diego. Credit will be given for attending all sessions and programs during the Teacher Institute and submitting one original lesson plan based on historical content learned while attending the Institute. Credit is only offered after the lesson has been submitted and approved. Once a lesson has been approved, you will be directed to the University of San Diego web site to complete the online college credit application and submit a $237.00 payment (price subject to change) to receive the three hours of graduate level extension credit.