Center for the Liberal Arts

Content-Rich Professional Development for

K-12 Teachers

The speakers were all so knowledgeable and aware of the ground work today’s teachers are doing. The topics and subsequent discussions were so relevant, all things I can take back to use with students and to engage my colleagues in conversation. Thank you!

Jennifer Chang

Dominion High School, Sterling, VA,

Teaching the History of Race in the US

The professors were SUPERB. It is so wonderful, as a teacher, to observe master teachers in action. The professors were able to answer all of our questions and provided so many student-centered activities.

Susan Barnes

Courtland High School, Spotsylvania, VA

"The Solar System"

No matter the topic presented through the CLA seminars, it is a privilege to work with scholars and experts and to be reminded of their accessibility.

Kimberly Marye

Floyd County Public Schools, VA

Homer’s Odyssey in a Global Context

Each Presenter set the atmosphere for the next Presenter. Well versed but approachable as if we were in a university class.

Dwayne Scott

Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

What does Religion have to do with Democracy?

So ENERGIZING! Loved the panel and presenters! Loved the format. Very open, informative, and stimulating – presenters proved an amazing collection of knowledge and resources. Very motivating! Loved being able to discuss, network, share and brainstorm.

Andrea Nachman

Patrick Henry High School, Ashland, VA,

Teaching the History of Race in the US

I loved the variety of speakers who were all well intertwined. Stimulating material, talks and ideas.

Jacquelyn Wilkins

EC Glass High School, Lynchburg, VA

Homer’s Odyssey in a Global Context

Upcoming Programs

Feb
25

Teaching Vietnamese American Literature and the Vietnam War

University of Virginia

Mar
25

Lessons of Ancient Democracy for Today

University of Virginia

Apr
15

Spanish Workshop: Migration and the Environment

University of Virginia

Apr
22

Notes on the Fate of Virginia

University of Virginia

View All Programs

Latest News and Announcements

Prof. Ricardo Padrón joins CLA, prof. Gustavo Pellón retires

Although we are sad to say farewell to our Spanish project director and beloved friend prof. Gustavo Pellón, who will step down at the end of the spring 2023 semester, we are happy to welcome prof. Ricardo Padrón as his successor at CLA.

Announcement

Interview with Ricardo Padrón: Mapping Spanish Exploration of the Pacific

CLA's Spanish project director prof. Ricardo Padrón talks about the literature and cartography of European expansion, including the colonial history of early modern Spain and the transpacific, and reflects on the Renaissance and themes that remain relevant today.

Listen to the interview HERE.

Announcement

Teaching Hard Literature is now Teaching Literature for Liberation

Teaching Literature for Liberation provides free educational materials for K–12 teachers to enable and encourage the teaching of literature associated with historically marginalized experiences of race and ethnicity, gender and sexual identity, religion, class, and ability.

Announcement

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Past Videos

Video - Teaching the History of American Migrations

Teaching the History of American Migrations

Watch CLA Project Director Jennifer Williamson, Assistant Principal at Western Albemarle High School, discuss teaching the history of American migrations at our November 11, 2017 session at the Miller Center for Public Affairs.

Dr. Julian Bond on "Making Civil Rights Matter"

Julian Bond on "Making Civil Rights Matter"

The Center for the Liberal Arts remembers with gratitude and admiration the extraordinary life and work of Julian Bond. Bond did us the great honor of recording “Making Civil Rights Matter” for one of our workshops on teaching about the American movement for civil rights, remarks as important now as ever.