April 6, 2006

WHS Teacher Recognized by National Endowment for the Humanities

WEATHERFORD – History classes are not going to be just lectures and memorizing dates anymore.  Weatherford High’s own Tammy Jones has been accepted as one of 25 applicants from around the nation to participate in a special summer program training educators to use popular American songs to aid in classroom instruction. 

Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the University of Pittsburgh, “Voices Across Time: Teaching American History Through Song” is an innovative program featuring workshops, field trips, and seminars based around educating students in the areas of history, literature, civics, economics, social studies and language arts through the use of music. 

The program, led by education specialists, historians and songwriters, will provide participants with materials and techniques to help integrate music into the existing curriculum.  The music will serve as a bridge combining historical knowledge, language, reasoning, and physical performance in the classroom.

The same program was last held in 2004.  Teachers who participated then reported a noticeable increase in the level of enthusiasm and performance of their students.  The music served as an innovative transmitter of culture and history encouraging students’ creativity and desire for learning. 

Jones, who was recommended for the program by Dr. Chip Evans, WHS Principal, and Pat Hardy, WISD Social Studies Coordinator, has taught in Weatherford for fifteen years.  She currently teaches United States History, AP US History, and Sociology.  Jones also serves as the sponsor for the National Honor Society at WHS and the Whiz Quiz.   

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” said Jones. “Attending the institute this summer means that I will be able to bring an additional element into the classroom to show the kids the many interesting aspects of our history.  I am also excited about the opportunity to collaborate with teachers from across the country.” 

“Voices Across Time” is made possible by a grant from National Endowment for the Humanities to the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for American Music, part of the university’s library system.  Jones will travel to Pittsburg for the program which will take place June 26-July 18.   

For more information on this program, visit the website at www.voicesacrosstime.org. 

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