Pryor Middle School eighth-grade teacher Heather Braucher was one of ten eighth-grade educators from across Oklahoma selected to receive a fellowship to attend a June session of the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute of Colonial Williamsburg. 

Braucher joined a select group of Oklahoma teachers who explored the people, places and ideas that helped ignite American independence. The institute was held in and around Williamsburg, Virginia, the restored capital of 18th-century Virginia and the world’s largest living history museum.

Thirty-seven Oklahoma educators received fellowships to attend the renowned institute, including 27 fifth-grade teachers and 10 eighth-grade teachers. The eighth-grade educators participated June 7–12.

This summer’s sessions celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the theme, “Revolutionary Roots: Teaching Civic Engagement at 250.”

During their six days in Virginia, the educators immersed themselves in early American history. They interacted with historical character interpreters, participated in hands-on activities, and worked with facilitators to develop lesson plans and interactive teaching techniques.

Braucher said the experience will provide new opportunities for students to engage with history and strengthen their critical-thinking skills.

“Students will benefit from this experience by analyzing primary sources to develop evidence-based conclusions, investigating historical artifacts, exploring diverse perspectives, connecting the causes of the American Revolution to the experiences and history of the Cherokee Nation, and making personal connections to our nation’s history,” Braucher said.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence coordinates the selection of Oklahoma educators for fellowships that cover program activities, airfare, lodging and most meals. Each participant also receives a $300 stipend to purchase classroom materials.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools. The organization has coordinated Oklahoma’s participation in the teacher institute since 1993.

The program was established through the leadership and support of the late Oklahoma City businessman Edward C. Joullian III, a former Colonial Williamsburg Foundation board member and Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence trustee. Joullian’s family and a group of dedicated donors continue to support the fellowship program, which has served 1,262 Oklahoma teachers since 1993.

Pryor Public Schools congratulates Braucher on this distinguished opportunity and looks forward to seeing how she brings the lessons of Colonial Williamsburg to life for Pryor Middle School students.