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Pre-Service teachers attend inaugural professional development weekend at National Constitution Center
Four Central Michigan University social studies education students traveled to Philadelphia Aug. 7-9 to participate in an intensive professional development experience focused on teaching the U.S. Constitution.
They joined 18 peers from universities across the country for the first professional development weekend hosted by the National Constitution Center designed specifically for pre-service teachers.
Melissa K. Stanley, Director of CMU's Social Studies Education Program, nominated senior Kendall Fowler, junior Reid Geyer, senior Gabrielle Hagerman, and junior Eric Huizing for the opportunity. The NCC covered the students' travel and expenses.
Throughout the weekend, participants worked with education staff from the NCC as well as experienced teachers who partner with the center. The teacher candidates explored approaches for teaching Constitutional content and analyzing primary-source documents with students across a range of ages through workshops and model lessons.
The experience provided an opportunity to learn from educators working at the National Constitution Center and connect with other future teachers.
“I enjoyed hearing different perspectives on Social Studies education from people across the country," said Fowler. "It was cool to meet new people and see how we are all united under one goal. I loved hearing the different lessons other pre-service teachers have done and hot it worked out for them, and exchanging different ideas.”
The teacher candidates also experienced perspectives and expertise beyond the NCC including sessions led by representatives from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Jack Miller Center.
In one session, historian Ralph Young, Professor of History at Temple University, spoke about dissent in American history. Young's scholarship on dissent and American protest provided another perspective on the role of disagreement and civic participation in the nation's history.
“One of the most memorable experiences for me was hearing Ralph Young speak on American dissent," said Geyer, current president of the CMU student organization Emerging Social Studies Teachers Association. "It reminds me that American progress and human rights were won through dissent, a Constitutionally protected right. It was very powerful to later walk through the National Constitution Center and hear about Women’s Suffrage movements and the Civil Rights movements.”
Stanley and a faculty member from Eastern Michigan University participated alongside the teacher candidates throughout the weekend. In addition to taking part in the sessions and activities, the faculty members helped students process their learning and consider how they might apply what they were experiencing to their own future classrooms.
For Stanley, the weekend represented another step in a developing relationship between CMU's Social Studies Education Program and the National Constitution Center.
In March 2026, CMU's Social Studies Education Program hosted educators from the National Constitution Center for a day of free professional development for pre-service teachers and practicing teachers in Michigan. The August weekend expanded that connection, bringing CMU students to Philadelphia for an experience that placed them alongside teacher candidates from across the country.
“I am beyond grateful to the National Constitution Center for providing our students with this opportunity," said Stanley. "It was powerful to watch our pre-service teachers connect with peers from other institutions. One of the goals of our program at CMU is to ensure that teacher candidates are prepared professionals who feel ready to take on the challenges of teaching. I was so proud of the students for how they embraced and engaged with the experience and how they applied what they’ve already learned at CMU.”
During free time, the students explored Philadelphia's rich history, visiting sites including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Benjamin Franklin's grave. Some also visited museums and historic sites, including the Museum of the American Revolution, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and the Betsy Ross House.
For future social studies teachers, the city itself became another opportunity to connect history and place.
“Standing where history was made was an awe-inspiring experience," said Hagerman. "Being able to experience the places connected to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence made me realize just how much influence these documents have had on American history over the past 250 years.”
The students said it was fun to explore Philly, including its famous foods.
"I thought it was going to be simply okay…however, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Philadelphia and its history," said Huizing. "There was good food, great views, and friendly people. I also got a bit too carried away with the number of trinkets and stuff for my future classroom. I would highly suggest it for all those who love revolutionary and early United States history. Also, I highly suggest an actual Philly Cheesesteak.”
By the end of the weekend, the CMU teacher candidates gained experience with new instructional approaches, built connections with future educators from across the country and worked directly with professionals who teach the Constitution to diverse audiences.
“Overall, I feel more confident as a future Social Studies educator," said Hagerman. "The National Constitution Center offers amazing resources for educators that can help equip students to become active and engaged citizens."
The experience gave the students another opportunity to begin thinking not only about what they will teach as social studies educators, but how they can help their future students engage meaningfully with the Constitution, primary sources and the complexities of American history.
