Shepherd U to help high school teachers learn about Appalachia - Business, Government Legal News from throughout WV

Shepherd University has received a grant to help high school teachers learn more about Appalachian history, culture and literature, which they will then be able to teach their students.

Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin announced the federal grant on Aug. 5.

A three-week seminar for 16 high school teachers who will come to Shepherd in July of 2013 is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities grant of almost $100,000.  The seminar will coincide with Shepherd's renowned Contemporary American Theater Festival and will incorporate trips to West Virginia landmarks and cultural institutions.

"We have so many talented educators across West Virginia and the country who are devoted to helping their students learn and succeed," Rockefeller said.  "Being awarded this competitive grant is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Shepherd University faculty and staff and to the inspiring nature of our Appalachian heritage."

West Virginia has a special history, as one of just two states to be born out of the Civil War, Manchin said.

"President Lincoln's handprints are all over our state, since he was responsible for our creation," he said. "I encourage all West Virginia teachers to learn as much as they can about our state so that they can pass along our values to the next generation."

Shepherd University President Suzanne Shipley said NEH grants are very difficult to attract.

"It is this sort of accomplishment that will extend Shepherd's potential to expand initiatives in the humanities," Shipley said. "Excellence builds upon excellence."

National Endowment for the Humanities grants aim to strengthen teaching and learning, facilitate research and original scholarship, preserve and provide access to cultural and educational resources, and to fortify the institutional base of the humanities.