Each spring we select 60 teachers from a pool of applicants to come to Washington for six days of educational activities that strengthen and expand instruction about the U.S. Supreme Court.
Teachers participate in sessions led by Supreme Court experts, journalists, and lawyers, as well as Street Law's Lee Arbetman and Cathy Ruffing. The Institute covers six current (or recent cases) and prepares teachers to use innovative methods to teach about both current and historical cases. This exciting opportunity culminates with a visit to the Court to hear decisions handed down and a reception at the Court.
Since it began in 1995, the Supreme Court Summer Institute for Teachers has served more than 1,200 teachers, who have in turn reached over 300,000 students. The Institute is funded by and delivered in partnership with the Supreme Court Historical Society.
The two 2021 Summer Institutes will be held June 17-22 and June 24-29.
The application period for the 2021 Supreme Court Summer Institute opened October 5, 2020. The deadline is April 1, 2021.
Eligibility
Please read this section closely before applying to confirm that you are eligible to attend and that you complete your application properly.
- 30 teachers from across the country will be accepted for each Institute (60 total).
- Admission is based on a competitive application process.
- Applicants must:
- teach secondary (grades 7-12) social studies or law-related education
- commit to attend all sessions (Week 1: June 17 - 22 or Week 2: June 24 - 29)
- not have already attended one of Street Law's Supreme Court Summer Institutes or regional Supreme Court Seminars
- complete one of the following activities after the Institute in order to receive a $200 stipend:
- conduct training for other teachers
- write a journal article about the teaching methods or content covered at the Institute
- participate in two cycles of sustained support with Street Law staff
- We encourage educators of color, those who teach in urban or rural schools or on Native American reservations, those new to the teaching profession, and educators of diverse backgrounds (e.g., LGBTQ+ or disabled) to apply. In addition to the online application, applicants must submit to Street Law, Inc. a letter of support from your principal or supervisor by April 1, 2021. Letters of support should:
- convey the supervisor's approval for attendance,
- highlight the applicant’s strengths and contributions to the school,
- demonstrate a need for this type of training in your school and/or district,
- communicate support for completion of the stipend requirements.