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Inauguration as teaching moment

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 12, 2009 11:23 AM

The nation's two major teacher unions, which are sometimes at odds, have joined forces with President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural committee on a teaching guide for the historic day.

The lesson plans include information about the inauguration and suggest ways to supplement the lessons with discussion topics, films, books and other educational websites. They are divided into three sections: "Learning History" on the evolution of inaugural events beginning with George Washington's in 1789; "Making History" to let students follow along with Obama's swearing-in on Jan. 20, and "Living History" to encourage students to continue studying US government and the presidency beyond Inauguration Day.

"The American presidential inauguration is a transformational moment that brings together our collective past and present, and our hopes for the future," Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said in a statement. "It reminds us more clearly than mere words ever could that power in this country truly rests with the American people. These lesson plans are intended as tools to help teachers and their students live our rich history and build our brighter future. The AFT is proud to have been part of this important project and this historic moment."

Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association, added in a statement: "It is crucial that our students understand that we are not only living history and making history with this inauguration, but also carrying forward the historical contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his influence on our incoming 44th president. These important lesson plans will help students understand President-elect Obama's message of a 'sense of unity and shared purpose' into the next four years and beyond."

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