Mount Daniel Elementary second-grade educator completed a highly competitive national program and received a private White House tour.
Mount Daniel Elementary School second-grade teacher Gail Bodner spent this past summer walking through the halls of the White House—not as a tourist, but as one of only 60 educators nationwide who completed the prestigious White House History Teacher Institute.
The five-day immersive program, hosted by the White House Historical Association in Washington, D.C., brought together passionate educators from across the country to deepen their understanding of the White House and collaborate on educational resources. Bodner was among two cohorts of 30 teachers each chosen through a highly competitive selection process.
"I feel so energized from the week at the institute," Bodner reflected. "I am inspired by the education team at the association as well as the group of educators I was learning alongside."
A Private Window into History
The highlight of the institute was an exclusive after-hours tour of the White House, led by one of the White House curators. Unlike public tours, Bodner's group experienced the People's House when public tours had finished for the day, providing unique access to learn about the artifacts and meet residence staff who keep the White House running.
"Our guide was one of the White House curators who really helped us deepen our understanding of the artifacts in the White House," Bodner explained. "She had also arranged for the staff of the residence to meet us along the tour. We had a unique opportunity to learn about the different roles that keep the people's house running!"
Bodner's path to the institute began with her own curriculum innovation. Last year, she developed supplemental materials for advanced readers, creating resources to accompany the chapter book "White House Clubhouse." Her research led her to discover the White House History Teacher Institute.
"I thought I would take a chance to apply and hope that I could learn about the history and perhaps use new resources to bolster my White House Clubhouse project," she said. Despite the program's competitive nature and her proximity to the D.C. area—which she initially thought might work against her—the selection committee recognized her passion and potential.
Bringing New Learning to Mount Daniel
The summer experience has already sparked numerous ideas for Bodner's classroom this school year. She plans to collaborate with Mount Daniel's art teacher on a project-based learning activity this fall, exploring patriotic symbols and White House china. Learning from State Department educators about "the art of diplomacy" will enhance her civics unit with fresh perspectives.
Bodner has also formed lasting connections with fellow educators, arranging for her second-graders to have pen pals with a class in Texas. Additionally, she's working to adapt one particularly resonant story from the institute for young learners.
Her ultimate goal of taking students to experience White House history firsthand has already been realized. Last week, Mount Daniel's second-grade classes visited The People's House: A White House Experience in downtown Washington, D.C., bringing Bodner's summer learning full circle for her students.
Beyond the Classroom
The summer institute featured discussions with historians, local site visits, inquiry-based learning activities, and sessions facilitated by master teachers. Bodner particularly valued meeting educators from across the nation, including teachers from the Dakotas, and learning about other professional development opportunities.
"I encourage all those in education to look for these professional development opportunities," she emphasized. "I learned about so many other programs just by attending this one!"
The White House Historical Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the White House and its rich history through nonpartisan programming that brings together educators committed to excellence in teaching.
Bodner's completion of this prestigious Institute reflects the caliber of educators within Falls Church City Public Schools and their commitment to bringing engaging, research-based learning experiences to their students.