Fellowship lets educators experience Lincoln
Minnesota teacher describes week-long institute as ‘phenomenal’
11.20.2009 – “The nice thing about Lincoln is his lessons can be applied to almost any age – goal setting, dedication, perseverance, empathy,” said Jeremy Biermaier, one of 50 educators selected for the 2009 Horace Mann-Abraham Lincoln Fellowship Program. “That’s really how I’ll start with my students, talking less about facts and more about what made Lincoln such a great man of character.” The fellowship is a joint partnership between the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, (ALPLM) and The Horace Mann Companies, both located in Springfield, Ill.
Biermaier, a seventh grade teacher at New Prague Middle School in New Prague, Minn., said following the fellowship program this past summer: “It’s a phenomenal experience. You can’t learn this stuff sitting reading books. You can learn the facts, but until you come, it’s just unbelievable.”
What is the fellowship?
Each summer, 50 educators from across the United States get unparalleled, behind-the-scenes access to the resources and historians at the ALPLM, as well as visits to Lincoln’s Home, Lincoln’s Tomb, New Salem, the Old State Capitol and the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office. The program is in its fifth year.
Fellows have their round-trip transportation to Springfield paid for, as well as their hotel accommodations and most meals during their stay.
As a bonus, the 2009 Fellows got this experience during the 200th anniversary year celebration of Lincoln’s birth. Special activities are in the works for 2010, the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War.
Teachers honored by the fellowship opportunity
“I saw ‘Ghosts of the Library’ hologram presentation, and it practically brought me to tears,” said Robin Ferrell, a librarian at Mitchell Elementary School in Tulsa, Okla.
Ferrell, who is as passionate about the power of books as Lincoln was about equality and unification in his Gettysburg Address, explained, “It (‘The Ghosts of the Library’) gives a roadmap to the treasures that await all visitors here. I also love that this museum is a true representation of how Lincoln himself would have wanted his life to be interpreted.”
Craig Blackman, a 24-year teaching veteran, currently teaches AP U.S. History to juniors at Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Va. He first heard about the fellowship last year when a parent of one of his students saw the information on the internet and suggested he apply. Blackman was unsuccessful in his 2008 application attempt, but like Lincoln (who endured several defeats in the political arena before ultimately winning the presidency), he did not give up.
“I knew I had to try again,” Blackman said. “This was something I really wanted to experience. I’m so excited I was picked and got to learn much more about the man who was truly one of the greatest in history.”
(more)
Next year, it could be you
For more information or to apply for the 2010 program, visit Horace Mann online at horacemann.com. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 12, 2010.
Horace Mann -- the largest national multiline insurance company focusing on educators' financial needs – provides auto and homeowners insurance, retirement annuities, life insurance and other financial solutions. Founded by Educator for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Ill. For more information visit horacemann.com.
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- Horace Mann-Abe Lincoln Fellowship offers new insights to Minnesota teacher. Apply now for 2010 program.
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- Seventh grade teacher Jeremy Biermaier says you can apply lessons on Lincoln to most any age group.
- When teaching, Biermaier will spend less time on facts and more time on the character of Abraham Lincoln.
- The annual Fellowship program held in Springfield, Ill. allows 50 teachers from across the country to work side-by-side with Lincoln experts for five days. Study includes access to resources at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library (ALPLM) and nearby historic sites.
- Educators have their round-trip transportation, hotel accommodations and most meals provided by The Horace Mann Companies. The company's headquarters are adjacent to the ALPLM.
- Applications are being accepted online a horacemann.com through Feb. 12, 2010. Two groups of 25 fellows will meet one of two weeks in the summer of 2010.
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Rebecca Kelley of Sioux Falls, S.D, and Jeremy Biermaier, a seventh grade teacher from New Prague, Minn look at a scale version of Lincoln’s home housed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM). A visit to the museum is one part of the week-long training program provided by the Horace Mann-ALPLM Fellowship Program.
Robin Ferrell, a librarian at Mitchell Elementary School in Tulsa, Okla., reads one of the placards in Lincoln’s Home. In the foreground is one of Abe’s top hats. Tours of the Lincoln-era sites are part of the Horace Mann-Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Fellowship experience. 
Cindy Welch, a grade school teacher from Billings, Mont., and Paula Tate, a high school history teacher from Valdese, N.C., look through s view camera positioned catty-corner from Lincoln’s Home. Most photos taken during the Lincoln era were taken from this spot. 
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