A Residential Fellowship Program for K-12 Educators
July 12 - 25, 2009
Application Deadline: March 16, 2009
Journeys of Nonviolence: Gandhi and King
Ahimsa Center ’s 2009 Summer Institute for K-12 teachers—the third one in a series on Education about Nonviolence—will focus on Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-68), the pioneers of nonviolent action for social transformation. Both Gandhi and King were ordinary human beings who rose to extra-ordinary heights in serving humanity. Both were interested in the moral and spiritual growth of human civilization than simply its material advancement. Although both were active in the politics of the day, neither held a government office. Both dedicated their lives to combat racism, oppression, injustice, violence, war and poverty. Both adopted nonviolence as a principle guiding their actions, and both led by example. They sacrificed their lives for what they believed in. Their journeys, however, were unique and distinctive.
This institute will provide a select group of up to forty K-12 educators an extraordinary opportunity for educational leadership by integrating in school curricula the lessons based on critical understanding of Gandhi and King, especially their respective journeys of nonviolence and social change. The two-week residential program will—
-- Provide in-depth understanding of Gandh and King, their historic role in nonviolent social transformation in the face of racial discirimination, oppression, injustice and violence.
-- Examine the practical applications of their philosophies and strategies to current socio-economic and environmental challenges, and to the resolution of conflicts through nonviolent means.
-- Explore the relevance of their lives for positively enhancing the learning environment for students and for inspiring them with the power of nonviolent conflict transformation.
-- Facilitate the development, implementation and dissemination of standards-based interdisciplinary curriculum for a balanced and deeper understanding of Gandhi, King and their legacies.
Program Focus and Format
Participants will work with expert faculty and scholars to learn, reflect and critically assess the significance of Gandhi and King in their own times and their continuing relevance in our times as leaders of nonviolent mass movements, and also as thought-leaders who seem to have anticipated so many of today’s critical issues and vexing problems. Themes and topics covered in the Institute will provide a solid foundation for curricular innovations that will help students gain critical insights into relevance of Gandhi, King and their respective journeys of nonviolence. Institute topics include:
-- Gandhi and King as dynamic thinkers and life-long learners.
-- Their private and public lives.
-- Their exemplary courage in addressing racism, oppression, injustice, violence and war.
-- Their creativity in conflict resolution and devising nonviolent methods for social change.
-- Gandhi and King on poverty and sustainable development.
-- Gandhi and King as role models for today’s youth.
-- Gandhi and King as global figures; their legacy and impact.
The program format of the Institute will draw upon an interdisciplinary approach and include a combination of lectures and seminars by Gandhi scholars, group discussions, curriculum development workshops , documentary/film discussions, hands-on experience in creating digital stories, and weekend programs.
Fellowship and Benefits
Fellowship. Each participant will receive a Fellowship award covering the cost of instruction plus room and board for two weeks (July 12-25), books and materials, the use of Cal Poly Pomona Library, and special weekend programs.
Course Credit. The Fellowship will also cover the cost of 8 units of course credits (see below).
Professional Developmentand Career Advancement. Institute training will qualify the participants for eight units of graduate course credits. These credits may be used toward a Master’s degree and/or salary advancement.
Curricular Innovation. Opportunity to develop standards-based, interdisciplinary lesson plans for the enrichment of students’ knowledge and understanding of Gandhi and King; amd their path of nonviolence for positive social change.
Conference Presentation. Participants will have the option to submit their curricular projects for presentation at the Ahimsa Center’s 2010 conference on nonviolence to be held on Cal Poly Pomona campus.
Professional Recognition and Visibility. Completed curriculum projects from the Institute will be published on Ahimsa Center’s web site providing professional recognition and visibility to participants’ work. Curriculum developed at previous institutes may be viewed at K-12 Curriculum on Nonviolence
For particpant experience in previous insititutes click here.
The Institute is open to K-12 educators throughout the United States. Forty participants will be selected based on the evidence in the application materials of their commitment to:
-- actively participate in all segments of the Institute program.
-- develop standards-based, innovative curriculum pertaining to Institute’s themes.
-- implement in their classes the curriculum developed during the Institute.
-- disseminate their learning by sharing their lessons with others and by leading at least one in-service workshop in her/his school district during the year following the Institute.
In addition, the selection committee will consider the level of support from applicant’s institution for the implementation and dissemination of Institute outcomes. This should be communicated in a letter of support from the school principal or district superintendent.
Complete application package must include the following items:
1. Resume covering the applicant’s social security number, home and school addresses, phone numbers and emails, current position, subject(s) and grade levels being taught, primary responsibilities during the year, academic training and degrees earned to date, teaching experience and employment record, professional activities including curriculum development experience, awards and honors, and any leadership roles or service relevant to the application.
2. Statement of Purpose describing in two typewritten pages, double-spaced: a) applicant’s interest in participating in this program, b) how participation will contribute to applicant’s professional development, enrich applicant’s course content and pedagogies to provide better education to her/his students, and c) applicant’s plans for sharing the learning experience and Institute outcomes with colleagues in her/his school and school district.
3. Letter of support from school principal expressing a commitment to facilitating the dissemination of applicant’s learning and the implementation of lesson plans in her/his teaching assignments.
Three (3) sets of the above items must be postmarked by Monday, March 16, 2009. Early application is recommended. Please mail completed application to:
Dr. Tara Sethia
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
Successful applicants will be notified no later than April 30, 2009.