2026 Adams Presidential Center Teacher Institute (APCTI)
There is no better way to explore the foundations of American Democracy and the legacy of John Adams’s leadership!
Come immerse yourself in Boston, Massachusetts to learn more about the people, places, and events that shaped one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers.
This intensive, weeklong program will bring thirty K-12 teachers to the Boston area each week, engaging them in the Adams family history, historical site visits, and best-practice workshops. Through the study of historic decisions and actions of John and Abigail Adams, the APCTI aims to build a robust teacher community, deepen historical knowledge, and improve instructional methods to ultimately foster more informed and active students. The program combines document-, object-, and place-based history exploration with inquiry-based learning to make the best connection with how social studies is taught in today’s classroom.
Program Highlights:
- Exploring important historic sites around Boston
- Learning from leading scholars and museum experts
- Engaging with artifacts
- Modeling lessons that weave history and civics together
- Building new professional relationships
- Reinforcing the Adams’ relevancy to today
- Field trip sites can include:
- The Adams National Historical Park, Quincy
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston
- Museum of African American History, Boston
- The Freedom Trail, Boston
- Concord Museum, Concord
I left with not only new content knowledge and primary sources to use in my classroom, but also fresh ideas for engaging my students and helping them think more deeply about our country's history. With all I learned this past week, I hope my students gain a deeper appreciation for my favorite founder and his impact on the founding of our country.
Exchanging classroom ideas, teaching strategies, and resources with such thoughtful educators was one of the highlights of the week, and I know those conversations will continue to influence my teaching long after the institute has ended.
We are facing a retention crisis in education across the country and I believe that getting them involved in things like meaningful professional development that grows their content knowledge early is truly vital to keeping them in the profession long term.
All last week I was texting educator friends and talking about what a great experience it was and how well you had it set up. Today I had to report to our first district PD of the year and couldn't stop singing the praises of APC to everyone who inquired about my adventures.
This is going to have an extensive impact on my classroom. I am so excited to go back to my classroom and I can’t wait to implement the primary source activities that I learned and engaged in myself into my classroom to help my students really understand the perspective and role of John Adams
Summer 2027 Program Dates and Themes
- June 14-18: The Life and Legacy of John Adams
- June 21-25: The Adams Family and Civil Rights
- July 19-23: John Adams and the American Revolution (priority for this week will be given to teachers within their first 10 years of teaching)
- July 26-30: The Life and Legacy of John Adams
- August 2-6: John Adams and the American Revolution
Applications open
Applications Open Wednesday, November 25 through Presidents Day 2027
Sign Up for Educator’s Email
Be the first to learn about programs, workshops, and new materials from The Adams Presidential Center’s Education Department.