I traveled to the Brown v. Board of Education national historic site in Topeka for the annual We the People summer institute, a fantastic professional development opportunity for Kansas social studies educators. Dr. Tom Vontz, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Socail Studies Education at Kansas State University, is the director of the institute. Two days were spent engaging in the study of “Perspectives on the Civil Rights Movement:  From Cartoons to the Constitution.”  Lodging and materials are provided for participants.  Mentors help educators grow and develop their understanding of the Constitution and the We the People program.  Participating scholars included Lee Judge, political cartoonist for the Kansas City Star, Dr. Matt Gutwein, Indiana University School of Law, and Dr. Brad Burenheide, Kansas State University College of Education.  Teachers from all over the state have an opportunity to attend this valuable opportunity for professional development, personal educational growth, and networking with other classroom teachers.

Upon leaving the institute, I ventured to the center of our state capital and stopped by to visit Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh.  For the past several years the Secretary has addressed the We the People state competition participants and I wanted to get him on the schedule for next February 1^st. He graciously accepted the invitation and I enjoyed visiting with him for a few moments.  He is always very personable and accommodating.