Social Studies Teachers Visit TSLA

Published June 9, 2015

WCS social studies teachers will have several new tools at their disposal when they return to the classroom next school year.

Last week, they visited the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) to get a firsthand look at primary documents they can use to incorporate a new state standard pertaining to state government and civics.

Teachers were able to examine many documents, including the 1870 state Constitution.

“One of the most interesting things to view was the Constitution and how the text actually looks in the document itself,” said WCS Social Studies Curriculum Specialist David Rector. “The constitution was a reaction to Governor Brownlow. So if you look at the document, you can see where in large font they have, ‘habeas corpus shall not be suspended.’ If you just read a transcript of the constitution, you don’t see that. You can only see it by examining the original text.”

Teachers also put on the white gloves to examine court cases and learn about the difference between the chancery and circuit courts.

“Teachers were able to learn a lot about what the library offers to help them and the students,” said Rector. “Taking this knowledge back to their classroom will be instrumental in helping students understand our state’s history and how to use the resources available to them through places like TSLA to gain a better understanding of state government.”

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett was also on hand to explain more about state government. Not only does Secretary Hargett oversee TSLA, but he is charged with the publication of the Tennessee Blue Book. A Blue Book task force was formed last school year to create a curriculum to help use the Blue Book as a teaching resource.

“I was delighted to spend time with these amazing social studies teachers from Williamson County and highlight the endless resources the Tennessee State Library and Archives provides,” said Secretary Hargett. “Learning more about the state Constitution, learning how to make lesson plans from the Tennessee Blue Book and access a wealth of other historical resources will help them prepare Williamson County Schools students to be better citizens.”