Teacher Institute – Our Founding Documents and the Rule of Law

Join us at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum for a deeper look at U.S. founding documents and the rule of law in this special teacher institute with the Law Focused Education team from the State Bar of Texas and supported by the Sumners Foundation. Guided by scholars and practitioners and supported by facilitators with extensive classroom experience, participants will gain a deeper understanding of our amendments and explore how they have been interpreted throughout history.

Scholar-led Sessions

Professor Peter Kierst and Attorney Ben Gibbs will lead sessions on our founding documents with a specific focus on the Bill of Rights, including historical and contemporary Supreme Court cases relevant to the amendments.

Consultant-led Sessions

Educators will engage in hand-on activities, collaborative discussions, and explore a wealth of curated educational resources tailored to different grade levels. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with practical classroom ready strategies and new tools to inspire and engage their students.

Better Conversations – Justice in the Shadow of Tragedy: Why Rule of Law Matters

Participants will break for a Better Conversations lunch panel. In a functioning democracy, even in our darkest hours, fairness must remain intact. But what does it look like to uphold principles like due process and the rights of the accused when a community is reeling from a tragedy? Leading us in this important conversation will be two legal leaders that were at the heart of the trials that sought justice for the 168 who were killed, their families, and their communities that were forever changed by the Oklahoma City bombing.

• Vicki Behenna, Current Oklahoma County District Attorney, who served on the federal prosecution team that secured the conviction of Timothy McVeigh in 1997.
• Wes Lane, Oklahoma County District Attorney (2001-2006), who led the office during the state trial of Terry Nichols in 2004.

Target Audience: Middle and High school US History and Government teachers. Elementary educators seeking a deeper understanding of U.S. Government are invited and would benefit as many of our materials and strategies have been adapted for younger students.

Cost: FREE (lunch will be provided) — Funding for substitutes is available and participants will receive access to all instructional materials upon completion of the institute. For questions regarding substitute reimbursement contact:  dodie.kasper@texasbar.com.