Stars, Stripes, and Spies: Teaching the Secret History of America
Sunday, June 28, 2026 — Thursday, July 2, 2026
Step into the shadow world of espionage in this new, immersive, four-day educator professional development workshop at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. Designed for current secondary history and social studies teachers, this workshop uses the lens of intelligence and espionage to uncover pivotal moments in U.S. history, from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terror.
In connection with the semiquincentennial of the United States, participants will explore declassified stories, examine authentic artifacts, and engage with content experts through hands-on, inquiry-based strategies. At the conclusion of the workshop, teachers will walk away with new historical insights, ready-to-use classroom materials, and creative strategies for incorporating American intelligence into their U.S. history curriculum.
Participating educators will…
- Earn 27 professional development hours and exclusive access to Museum’s exhibits, resources, content experts, and artifacts.
- Collaborate with other educators to share ideas, network, and gain new perspectives.
- Hear from former intelligence professionals, content experts, and Spy Museum educators.
- Enhance their content knowledge about US history and the significant role that intelligence has played for the past 250 years.
- Create a variety of resources that they can use in their classroom.
Important Intel:
- Applications will be accepted from December 1, 2025 – January 30, 2026.
- The institute is designed for current secondary social studies and history teachers (grades 6 – 12). Other teachers can apply but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 20 teachers will be selected for this institute. Notifications will be sent out via email by April 1, 2026.
- Following the workshop, attendees will be required to create and deliver one professional development session for their school or district during the 2026–27 academic year. More information will be given to attendees.
- All educators will receive:
- A meal stipend for the duration of the workshop.
- Books, resources, and materials.
- Access to the Spy Museum exhibits for the duration of the workshop.
- A certificate of completion for professional development hours (upon completion).
- Non-local educators will receive*:
- A travel reimbursement for travel to and from DC (up to a certain amount).
- A single-occupancy room at the Hilton Washington, DC National Mall (across the street from the Museum).
- Local educators will receive:
- A travel stipend to cover daily transportation to and from SPY (up to a certain amount).
* Non-local educators are those that live more than 45 miles from the International Spy Museum.
