Request Professional Learning

Our Mission

The Library’s professional learning programs provide educators of all disciplines with resources and strategies to effectively integrate primary sources into K-12 classroom teaching. Sessions focus on pedagogy, with an emphasis on supporting student engagement, critical thinking, and construction of knowledge.

The teacher professional learning program is structured to pair proven teaching strategies with materials from the Library’s rich collections of online primary sources.

We accept requests for programs taking place during the school year.

Request Now

Our Professional Learning Offerings

There are three options currently available for teacher professional learning at the Library of Congress.

1. Webinar

Webinar events are limited to one-hour and will be held over Zoom. During this event, Library staff will cover one of the following topics:

• Introduction to the Library of Congress Online Resources for Teachers
• Foundations of Analyzing Primary Sources
• Foundations of Multiple Sources for Multiple Perspectives
• Foundations of Working with Complex Images

You must have a minimum requirement of 12 participants to request a webinar event.

2. Workshop Onsite at the Library of Congress

Onsite workshops are held exclusively on Thursday afternoons during the traditional school calendar year. During this event, Library staff will facilitate an immersive program, including the following experiences:

• Connecting with Primary Sources
• Foundations of Analyzing Primary Sources from the Library of Congress
• Exhibition Activity
• Library of Congress Web Overview

You must have a minimum requirement of 12 participants to request an onsite event.

3. Workshop in a Location Other than the Library of Congress

Workshops at a location of your selection are available on a limited basis. Some examples of when you might consider requesting a visit from Library of Congress staff include:

• Conferences (attend, present, and/or exhibit at a conference for educators)
• Multi-Day Professional Learning Workshops
• Workshops for School Districts

You must have a minimum requirement of 12 participants to request an onsite event.

Please note that we are unable to accept all requests. There are times when we are fulfilling multiple program obligations. Summer is a time when we are busiest and least likely to be able to support outside requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who may request professional learning?

  The Library of Congress professional learning workshops are appropriate for K-12 educators across many disciplines, including: Social Studies/History, English Language Arts, Science, Art, Music; and for any other educator who feels primary sources could be used with their curriculum. Librarians and Curriculum/Professional Development specialists are also encouraged to apply.

• Can I submit a Professional Learning Application requesting multiple events?

  No. If you would like to request more than one type of event, please submit two separate forms.

• What is the deadline to apply?

  Applications are received on a rolling basis. We encourage a three-month lead time on event requests.

• Can I request a tour of the Thomas Jefferson Building using this application form?

  No. For touring information outside of professional learning, please visit: https://aj.sunback.homes/visit.

• When and how will I be notified regarding my application’s status?

  After submitting an application, you should receive a confirmation email that the Library has received your application. If you do not, please check your spam folder. If you are still not sure, please email teach@loc.gov. Requests will then be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

Testimonials

"Thank you for the strategies. They are doable, not just theoretical. They will help students build observation and analyzing skills. And puts the student in control of their thinking and not just what the teacher says."

"So useful! I leave with a great activity to use right away with students that is flexible so I can use it with so many different topics."

"I am able to take this information and begin to implement it because that was part of the discussion. I saw a way to explore a primary source, how to scaffold it for students, and how to implement it across subjects."

"I am happy to see many ways to find resources to boost and support the research of our K-12 students!!! Thank you very much!"

"This was much more useful than other workshops, in that you walked us through the entire process. You made the application of this resource very clear and easy for teachers to use. I have wanted my students to use primary sources for novel studies and History and have been finding and supplying them myself--a time-consuming and often frustrating experience! Thank you for making an interesting area of past and current events so easy!!! Thank You!"