Testimonials from Previous James Madison and Constitutional Citizenship Participants

General Comments from 2006 Workshops

"What an incredible experience! ... My techniques and tools used to teach the Constitution and the role James Madison played in the founding of the nation will most definitely be altered for the better."

"Academically rigorous, envigorating [sic], and very informative with great positive impact both personally and professionally... Deepened my knowledge and appreciation for the role JMadison played as a Founding Father. Certainly our students and the general public must know of his contribution. Visiting his home, gardens, the old growth forest, and the freedman's cabin touched my spirit of patriotism."

"One of the best experiences I've had in learning of American history. Gave me a much better understanding of the drawing up of our Constitution, the theories and thoughts behind it, and the motivations of the original framers. All of these will be passed on to my students to help them gain a better understanding of what the Constitution really means."

"The experience was excellent. The level of scholarship and intellectual content was tremendous, and I feel as if this will enhance not only my own personal knowledge but my teaching as well. I anticipate being able to use the ideas of James Madison as well as his way of thinking to better inform my students of the creation of the Constitution, what it means to be a citizen, and how they as individuals can continue what was begun in the brain of America's most important founding father."

"The workshop experience has been one of the most important learning experiences I have had for many years. The things I have learned have reshaped my concept of the Constitution and the way in which the founders looked at we loosely call 'freedom' and 'democracy' today. I can honestly say that I will approach my teaching of Civics and Government in a much different way than I have in the past."

"The experience was wonderful! It will certainly make me a better Government teacher!"

"Outstanding experience! The dialogue was stimulating and I learned a great deal that I will pass along to my students."

General Comments from 2005 Workshops

"This was an extremely rewarding experience that made the Constitution come alive in this landmark setting. I am sure that my gained enthusiasm and enlightenment, as a result of the collateral and primary scholarship, will help me bring some life and understanding to the history and civic lessons that I teach."

"Outstanding, challenging, invigorating experience! Superior instructors, really made me think in new directions and to truly grasp some of the significant concepts that contributed to the Constitution. I am in the process of helping my district rewrite US History curriculum, and it is influencing how I analyze the issues and form the essential questions, not only in the areas of the Constitution and civics, but of much of US History. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

About Montpelier

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Montpelier experience. Each dimension of the tours exposed me to a new level of understanding: the restoration itself spoke to me of the continual dialogue necessary to providing for the common good. Montpelier as a work in progress parallaled the concept of Constitutional citizenship." (2005)

"Visiting the landmark made the words and works of Madison come alive, and gave greater insites [sic] into the character of the man who was the architect of our Constitution. While the information provided would have been wonderful standing alone, the learning was enhanced by actually being at the site." (2005)

"The landmark site was a powerful reference and inspiration for the powerful content of James Madison and the Constitution." (2005)

"Being able to pair lecture with actual experience at Montpelier was wonderful. It made the experience much more rewarding and memorable." (2005)

"Visiting Montpelier gave dimension and perspective that could not be achieved with the lectures and readings alone." (2005)

"To study the Constitution and one of the key individuals who was responsible for the document was great. However, to be present on the grounds that was once owned by that individual was a life-time event. That brought the entire event to life for me." (2005)

"The connection between James Madison's Montpelier and the workshop's content is significant. My reading and thinking about Madison's life and ideas was greatly enhanced by being physically present in the place where much of his constitutional thinking was done. It is so much easier for me to make the mental connections with the ideas now that I have a visual and experiential connection with Montpelier. I believe having studied in the shadow of Mr. Madison's estate lends an element of authenticity to my ability to communicate more effectively with my students." (2005)

About the Faculty

"Will Harris is a tremendous speaker, scholar, and director. Each of the faculty members, professors and preceptors, brought with them vast knowledge of the content area and created environments conducive to discussion, debate, and intelectual [sic] growth." (2006)

"The visiting faculty was outstanding – each one was better than the last." (2006)