Two middle school history teachers from the Ozarks will soon receive a private tour of the White House.

Valerie Cochara, who teaches social studies in Fordland and Kristine Vanscoy, who teaches civics and American history in Spokane were among 60 teachers selected to attend the White House History Teacher Institute in Washington, D.C., in mid-July.

At the weeklong event, they will learn about new education technology developed by the White House Historical Association, visit historic sites, hear from White House staff and historians and take a private tour of the White House.

“The Association’s education department seeks to create materials that can easily mix, match, and integrate into many different classroom environments,” said Whitney Hayne, director of education, in a news release. “By exploring the stories of the White House and our resources during the Teacher Institute, participants gain a unique lens that can freshen up their existing curriculum and engage their students in new ways.”

This is the fourth year for the institute, which is held at the David M. Rubenstein Center for White House History, a block from the White House.

The first group of 30 teachers will attend July 8-12, and the second group of 30 teachers will be July 22-26.

According to a news release, teachers will be immersed in White House history, learning about topics that include the construction and expansion of the White House, the evolving role of the first lady, the art of diplomacy in the Executive Branch, and the role of the White House as a living museum for the American people.

In turn, the teachers will sample and provide feedback on classroom tools created by the White House Historical Association including the recently developed Alexa Skill and the White House Experience mobile app.

This year, applicants for the institute included teachers from more than 30 states and the country of France.

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