Modern Update the Official Newsletter of the Transatlantic Outreach Program

TRANSATLANTIC TOP OUTREACH PROGRAM GermanyMODERN UPDATE THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE TRANSATLANTIC OUTREACH PROGRAM

EDUCATION. DIALOGUE. EXPERIENCE. Discover the latest TOP materials New TOP tools for professional Learn how to apply for study tours for the social studies classroom. development workshop leaders. to Germany. COVER PHOTO Two TOP study tour participants walk the “Path of Hope” (Weg der Hoffnung). Located within the former so-called “death strip” that separated West and East Germany, the Path of Hope was created to commemorate the resistance against the Communist dictatorships in Central and Eastern Europe.

2 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 ABOVE Group photo in the “death strip” near the U.S. Army Point Alpha camp (left tower). East German guards monitored the Americans from the right tower. Once fortified with fences, attack dogs and mine fields, the area is now a monument and museum. Visitwww.pointalpha.com for information.

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 3 TRANSATLANTIC TOP OUTREACH PROGRAM

DIRECTOR’S LETTER

In addition to these highlights, a large focus of our efforts this year has been to finalize and print our latest instructional strategy guides. We are pleased to announce that both the Let’s Explore Mod- ern Germany and the Ger- many In Focus guides have been shipping to educators and workshop leaders since mid-October. We also have a professional development TOP Toolkit in the works that will assist classroom teachers and workshop leaders on how to best implement these new instructional strategies. Greetings from the TOP HQ in Washington, DC! Perhaps you re- To learn more about these ceived this newsletter by mail? Perhaps from a conference booth guides, turn to page 25 of this or at a workshop? Perhaps you’re reading it online on our web- newsletter. site? We hope that the pages herein will encourage you to explore As the TOP Team looks for- how TOP, through its teaching materials, professional develop- ward to 2014, we are already ment workshops, and study tours can benefit your students. in the planning stages of The year 2013 began with good news from SIEMENS that it would our summer study tours. We become the fifth partner of the Transatlantic Outreach Program. also hope to engage in sev- Without the support and encouragement of our public and pri- eral cross-curricular projects vate partners, which also include the Federal Foreign Office of as part of what we’re call- Germany, the Goethe-Institut, Deutsche Bank, and the Robert ing the TOP+ initiative where Bosch Stiftung, TOP would be unable to serve educators with we’ll explore the potential of complimentary teaching materials, workshops, and study tours TOP teaching materials with to Germany. The addition of SIEMENS as a partner this year has STEM, German as a Foreign helped TOP take new strides in regards to public relations and Language, and Financial Lit- teacher training initiatives as well as offer an unprecedented sev- eracy education. enth study tour to Germany. TOP invited the chancellor of D.C. Thanks for reading! public schools, three college presidents, a representative of the U.S. Department of Education, and several others on a unique -Klaus Brodersen, Director tour to examine Germany’s vocational education training system.

4 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 CONTENTS CONTACT TOP

GLOBAL CONNECTION On the Web: 6 By Ellen Resnek www.goethe.de/top

GLOBAL INSOURCING By E-mail: 8 By Elizabeth Mangione [email protected] By Phone: THE WORLD IS ROUND LIKE A SOCCER BALL (202) 289-1200 10 By Carlos Ardaya By Postal Mail: THE BERLIN FILE: GANGNAM STYLE TOP By Matthew Bundy 12 Goethe-Institut Washington 812 7th Street NW GOETHE TALKS TURKEY Washington, DC 20001 14 By Tom Bittner

/GoetheTOP 4 DIRECTOR’S LETTER 7, 9 TOP FOTO PINNWAND THE DC TOP TEAM 18-24 TOP FELLOW NEWS Program Coordinator: INTRODUCING NEW TOP MATERIALS 25-34 Sarah Yabroff 35-36 TOP LESSON EVALUATION FORM Program Director: 37 TOP MATERIALS FOR WORKSHOP LEADERS Klaus Brodersen STUDY TOUR: FAQ 38 Program Manager: 39 ABOUT TOP Wood Powell

NAVIGATING THIS NEWSLETTER WITH QR CODES

The Quick Response Code is an advanced type of barcode that is being used in many places these days like on advertisements, on movie posters, in the new TOP instructional strategy guides and even in this newsletter.

Use your favorite smartphone app like QR Reader for iPhone or QR Droid for Android to see where the QR Codes in this newsletter can take you.

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 5 ALUMNI CONTRIBUTION Global Connection: Opening Our Hearts, Minds & Classrooms to the World

It is a difficult to put into words I continue to corresponded the transformative experience regularly with many of my of traveling to Germany with TOP friends and a few of us TOP. My teaching has been en- have been fortunate to re- riched, but really it extends to connect in person over the the very core of my life. I have past two years in all sorts developed lasting friendships of places: France, Washing- and been given the gift of shar- ton, DC and New York City. ing with those friends my ac- At the 2011 TOP NCSS Con- complishments and challenges. vention reception, a larger group of us enjoyed a mini- I was chosen to participate in reunion where we shared 2011, traveling with the sixth the joys of being a part of on board and we had an amaz- group. It was evident from our TOP and the richness of the ex- ing experience showing her first meeting that these individ- perience. Through e-mail, Sky- around Philadelphia, Valley uals were amazing educators. pe, and travel we have shared Forge and Washington, DC. As we explored Germany, vis- our triumphs and tragedies. iting classrooms, historic sites We have been able to collabo- Ms. Bitzenbauer teaches both and delving into Modern Ger- rate on teaching strategies as English and History and was in- many, a bond was formed that well as share laughs and good volved daily in my colleagues’ would extend into my class- times. classes and my own. We co- room and heart. taught classes and were able to I returned to school in the fall of utilize real world experiences 2011 singing the praises of to connect major themes with TOP, and sharing my ex- our student’s lives. Our bond periences and resources continued after a tearful fare- with my district. Almost well with an open invitation to immediately, I was ap- visit often. We e-mailed regu- proached by our school’s larly and continued to share GAPP (German Ameri- stories as if we’d always been can Partnership Program) lifelong friends. coordinator to become involved. I was asked to My husband and I saved, open my home to a teach- planned and returned to Eu- er, Claudia Bitzenbauer, rope this past summer , visit- traveling with our sister ing both Italy and Germany school’s students from and of course Ms. Bitzenbau- the Theresien-Gymnasi- er for four glorious days. We um, Munich. I jumped at toured Munich like locals on Photos provided by Ellen. the chance without even borrowed bicycles. The views Above Ms. Bitzenbauer & Ellen discussing it with my hus- from the Olympic Tower were Right: Ellen & Husband band! Of course he was magnificent.

6 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 We traveled to Regensburg, one of Germany’s oldest towns. It was relatively spared from Allied bombings during World War II. We walked through this wonderfully in- tact old city and explored many medieval structures. We also were humbled as we toured Dachau and walked in the footsteps of so many vic- tims of the Nazi regime. The museum and monuments was a tearful reminder to never forget these dark moments in history and that we must work together toward a peaceful future.

These experiences have been transformative. I have grown as both a teacher and individ- ual in ways that I never imag- ined. In my classroom I can share the joys of my experiences, and the power of place (being there) in teaching. I have the ability to explore my country and the historic riches it holds with my TOP friends. I now have a larger world that includes intercontinental friendships that enhance my teaching. My husband and I are planning to visit again in the summer, of 2014 when the Theresien-Gymnasium students are in session, so we can further explore a world that now seems closer.

-Ellen Resnek 2011 TOP Fellow ALUMNI CONTRIBUTION Global Insourcing: TOP & Technology Help Two Teachers Bring Their Classrooms Together

In August 2012, I was fortunate her colleagues was interested project so my students could to be selected as a TOP Fellow. in connecting our classes! In spend some time responding While the entire study tour was the 2012-2013 school year, Mrs. and we went on to spend the beyond anything I could have Claudia Godomski and I con- year discussing not only ma- expected, the day that has had nected our 8th grade classes jor U.S. events such as Hurri- the most lasting impact for me via the educational cane Sandy and the Presiden- professionally occurred on our social media website: tial Election, but on a more last day in Germany. www.edmodo.com. personal level, the students loved comparing aspects of On August 10, 2012, my study modern-day culture. My stu- tour group visited the F. F. dents were impressed by the Runge Gymnasium in Ora- German students’ mastery nienburg. This is a bilingual of the English language and school that houses students were surprised to see that from the 7-12th grades in a both cultures enjoyed similar new, energy efficient build- tastes in music and televi- ing. While there, we had the sion. pleasure of being invited to observe some of the lessons A great lesson for my stu- that were being taught dur- dents was when they post- ing the school’s first week of ed questions to the German classes. students about their parents’ experience of living under At the end of the tour of the communism and their mem- school, we had the opportu- ories of the fall of the Berlin nity to sit and speak with a Wall. I teach about both sub- few members of the school’s jects every year, but nothing faculty. One of the teachers, A note from U.S. students about compares to learning about Mrs. Gabriele Rohde, asked birthday celebration traditions. these subjects from the chil- those of us would interested dren of those whose parents in collaborating on lessons be- What an enriching experience lived through these eras of his- tween our school and the F.F. this became for both my stu- tory. Runge Gymnasium to leave dents and for me! I remem- our e-mail address before we ber the moment we were in Mrs. Godomski and I gave the left. the computer lab working on students the opportunity to a project, when one of my exchange packages. My stu- My post-Germany blues were students signed onto their dents were excited to write to alleviated immediately when Edmodo account and excit- the German students and give I arrived home and saw Mrs. edly proclaimed, “The Ger- them small trinkets that they Rohde had already sent me man students have written to felt represented their state an e-mail saying that one of us!” We took a break from the and country, and we were all

8 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 so thrilled when our package from Germany arrived! We enjoyed snacking on Haribo gum- my bears and Kinder choco- lates while passing around the booklet Mrs. Godomski’s class made for us that de- scribed traditions associated with various German holidays. They also sent us a travel bro- chure and pictures from their town.

When my new 8th graders arrived in September 2013, they asked if they would be able to communicate with German students as had the students from the previous year. I con- tacted Mrs. Rohde who is now the 8th grade teacher at F. F. Runge Gymnasium and was very excited when she said she was interested in collaborating this year. As I write this, I am checking Edmodo to see my students enthusi- astically exchange introduc- tions with their new friends from Germany. I am excited to see where this year’s col- laboration will lead us, and am grateful to TOP for this wonderful opportunity!

-Elizabeth Mangione 2012 TOP Fellow

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 9 ALUMNI CONTRIBUTION

The World is Round Like a Soccer Ball

Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel their knowledge, and appreciating their love, and be part of a great team; unfortunately it dedication and interest to share this all with us. was not a soccer team but the TOP Team. How- ever, it was the best trip of my life! It was truly During the first week in Berlin we also amazing not only because was it my first time in visited Kreuzberg Tag, a community Germany, nor because it changed my own per- center dedicated to preserving the his- sonal pessimistic view of Germany since World tory of culture and diversity in Berlin, War II and not because Germany turned out to which was my favorite place. At Kreuzberg Tag be a very beautiful country, but because I trav- our guide began by playing a short documen- eled with the best team I have ever been a part tary about the history of immigration to Berlin of. We were the TOP team. A small group of 16 during the Guest Worker Period. Among the committed teachers from many different states countries with a high immigration numbers of but with the same common goal: To learn more young kids to Germany are Iraq, Iran, Afghani- about Germany’s history, culture, their govern- stan, Greece, and now Turkey with the largest ment and economic systems, and to enjoy the population. trip and help each other at all times while doing so. Immediately after the short documentary, our guide explained some more about the history From the start, we had the chemistry any team of Turkey’s political and economic situation needs to be the very best. Once we arrived and the present Turkish immigration to Germa- in Berlin, we immediately started helping each ny. As a German citizen with a Turkish migra- other. Although we didn’t have tons of time to tion background, our guide shared with us his relax or to take a personal break, we didn’t care own personal experience about how and why because we could not wait to get to know the his family decided to immigrate to Berlin. In- city. The first day we began our adventure with side the center we had the opportunity to work a boat tour of the city of Berlin. Then, on the in groups of two; our assignment was to use an second day, we continued visiting the most im- iTouch to find specific iconic places located on portant sites such as the Bundestag, the Bran- very large floor map of the city of Berlin. It was denburg Gate, the Memorial to the Sinti and one of the assignments I enjoyed the most, and Roma, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of I am planning to transfer it to my own class- Europe, and even remnants of the Berlin Wall. room in Miami.

The next day, we continued with our visits to Immediately after our activity, our guide took the most iconic places, while at the same time us all on a walking tour throughout his own we began meeting very interesting people community. In this neighborhood we saw the from all different walks of life: from profession- largest refugee building in Berlin and walked al writers to school teachers to city officials around his migrant community to stop in front and community leaders. Immediately, we be- of the most iconic places to take pictures and to gan compiling their experiences, learning from learn about the history. I could immediately re-

10 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 late the situation in his community to my own migrant community in Miami, and saw similarities between Turkish immigration to Ger- many and Latin American immigration to the United States. Finally, we finished the walking tour in a small Turkish restaurant. Not only was their food great, but it also tasted like Cuban food to me!

By learning at the center, listening to our guide’s own personal experiences and countries and one of the most important econ- by walking throughout his community, I was omies within global industry today. It was an able to relate to the situation that many young academic and cultural investment of a lifetime! children have when arriving to Berlin, without Our next team goal is for all 16 of us to meet any money, family members and with a lan- again in 2017 at the Goethe-Institut in Wash- guage barrier, to the situation many of my own ington DC to continue the journey. students face at the school where I teach. It is also my student’s reality as they are constant- At the beginning of the summer I was afraid I ly arriving to Miami from many different Latin wouldn’t have enough time to play soccer and American countries. They are however carrying never expected such a positive experience. My hopes and dreams for a better life. I think this summer started by meeting the TOP Team and is exactly what Germany and America have to my team of 16 teachers from all over the coun- offer all of us: a place to have a better life and try at the Goethe-Institut in Washington DC. an opportunity to find whatever we have lost. We immediately started talking about German soccer or “Bundesliga,” debating which team From Berlin to Frankfurt, we visited four differ- was on top. Unexpectedly, my summer vaca- ent cities and every single day we worked as a tion also ended watching Argentinian soccer team visiting the museums, schools, memorials and talking about soccer at the Goethe-Institut and parks. We even managed to ride our bi- in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The world is round cycles during the bicycle tour and maintain the like a soccer ball! same pace as the locals despite trying to take the most beautiful pictures anyone can expect. -Carlos Ardaya 2013 TOP Fellow In only two short weeks, I scored a goal in my life by learning a comprehensive history of Germany. The TOP experience was an impres- sive scholarly trip that contained just about all you will ever need to know to understand Germany’s past, present, future and how it has become one of the most powerful European

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 11 ALUMNI CONTRIBUTION The Berlin File: Gangnam Style

The thrill of travel and gaining new insights into movie be shot in Berlin? As I watched the mov- global education was provided to me through ie trailer on YOUTUBE, it hit me. Korea is the an invitation this spring to participate in a teach- remaining divided country of a bygone political er fellowship with the Korea Society of New era! This remaining story from the Cold War is York. I jumped at the opportunity to explore a playing out cinematically on what was the ma- region of the globe that would be totally new jor stage of the Cold War for over four decades: and foreign to me. I have to admit, I have been the Berlin stage! Of course the film is fiction, somewhat Euro-centric over the years and I but the real Korean situation continues to play thought this would be the perfect opportunity itself out in the international media. to expand my horizons but as a TOP scholar, I am always looking for relationships between According to Hancinema, a website devoted countries I visit and Germany. I was looking to Korean cinema, here is the basic plot: A forward to ex- South Korean in- periencing new telligence agent cuisine, listening comes across an to and learning unidentifiable op- phrases in a non- erative, a ‘ghost,’ Indo-European while monitoring language and a North Korean navigating my weapons deal in way around in a Berlin. The South culture that did Korean goes af- not use the Latin ter the North alphabet. Let me Korean to unveil tell you, as a trav- his identity and eler, cognates are gets himself em- a huge advantage! So, I was set for an all new broiled in a vast international conspiracy. In the cultural experience and I was not disappointed. meantime, another North Korean operative is Korea is fascinating! I started my research on dispatched to Berlin with a secret agenda to Korea before my trip and even though I am not take control of the North Korean embassy. I am an expert on Asia, I found the history to be ensure you can see where this is going and why I lightening. found it fascinating…

I am very interested in contemporary culture This movie about a split Korea, with spies, in- and what is going on in a country. So, for my trigue and clashing foreign embassies remind- research, I looked at movies, music, current ed me of two great Cold War stories by John events and books. To my surprise, the hit mov- LeCarre. Namely, The Spy Who Came in from ie in Seoul during the winter and spring movie the Cold and A Small Town in Germany. Both season of 2013 was a Korean movie named, The are good reads about Germany in the 1960’s. Berlin File! The movie takes place in Berlin and Korea and Germany are countries that were was shot primarily in the Korean language with divided because of post-World War II super German and English scenes as well. Needless power political ideologies. As a result of these to say, I was intrigued. Why would a Korean divisions, borders were set and decisions were

12 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 reached that would alter the lives of millions. As I return from such trips, I ponder how to These borders and decisions were based in best share with my students the lessons that large part on where the American, Soviet, and I learned. How can I share with them the feel- other Allied armies were located at the end of ings and ideas that come only from travel the conflicts in Europe and Japan. For most of and experiencing a different culture? How do us in our German studies, this is a situation that teachers convey the idea that being different is has mostly slipped into history. Germany is a not necessarily better or worse, it is just differ- united country and many Koreans are looking ent? Maybe simply posing the question helps. at Germany as a possible model for a united I think it does. I plan on using the most recent Korea. Even though the repercussions of Cold German election as a model for comparative War events are felt even today in modern Ger- government and how a multi-party system many, when we talk of a divided Germany, we works. I am not sure about most of you, but are talking about a bygone era. There are still I find the story of Die Piraten Partei (The Pi- issues that remain from that period, but we no rate Party) very intriguing. Could a group of longer talk of the nation states of East Germa- young computer hackers (oops, experts) really ny and West Germany. We simply talk about be a major force in German politics? Other les- Germany. sons will probe the intricacies of a parliamen- tary election and how coalitions are formed to In Germany, there are still Cold War remind- select the German Chancellor. I will lead dis- ers, but they are hopefully just memories. Is cussions about a split Korea and how Korean a trip to the present day DMZ (the Korean de- relations are still influenced through different militarized zone at the 38th parallel) similar ideas, historical views and super powers. A to a 1980’s visit to the Berlin Wall? Both were Germany/Korea divided country comparison the literal embodiment of an ideological divi- will be a great way for students to relate to- sion. The Berlin Wall was a potential military day’s events with those events and stories that and political flashpoint. The DMZ is a currently have transpired on multiple continents for over a political flashpoint and a potential military six decades. flashpoint. Both were the focal points of dis- cussion in foreign relations and relations within Stories seem to draw in my students. Stories the country itself. Koreans view their country embody the culture and ideas of the country as one country being pulled apart by outside they are from, but they also transcend the cul- interests. Germany was in a similar position up ture and hopefully bring us closer together in through the fall of the Wall. With all the simi- sharing ideas and emotion. As TOP educators, larities and hopes for a united Korea, it seems we have the opportunity to bring global experi- the major difference between the split of Ger- ence into the classroom. We can draw on our many and the split of Korea is that the Germans trips to give students a glimpse into other cul- did not engage in a brutal civil war. The effects tures and ideas. I challenge all of us to con- of the Korean War are still felt in Korea and tinue to seek out opportunities to learn and be- both North Korea and South Korea are taught come educators that understand the concept in their history classrooms that the other side of a global community and share these ideas initiated the brutal conflict. As Social Science with our students. educators, the questions of what is taught in the classroom and how it is taught are of great -Matthew Bundy importance in understanding the history of a 2010 TOP Fellow country.

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 13 ALUMNI CONTRIBUTION

GOETHE TALKS TURKEY MERHABA! - HALLO! - NASILSINIZ? - WIE GEHT ES IHNEN?

- By Tom Bittner - 2008 & 2012 TOP Fellow

14 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 If you’ve been to the so-called Turkish Market in vious contrast seems to be in terms of road- Berlin or the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, there’s a ways. In Germany, for example, traffic signs are good chance you’ve heard these phrases—per- to be obeyed; in Istanbul, they’re more or less haps interchanged—while conducting business. suggestions. In Germany, roads are shared by Today, there are good reasons for that: Germa- motorists and bicyclists; in Istanbul, the wind- ny’s largest ethnic minority is Turkish and Tur- ing, narrow, steep streets are shared by motor- key is one of Germany’s major trading partners. ists and porters who are often bent horizon- Historically, there are good reasons for that, too: tally carrying hundred-pound crates on their the German states of the Hanseatic League— backs—both, however, struggling against the merchants from Saxony and Westphalia—trad- force of gravity. In Germany, most bicyclists be- ed in Constantinople a thousand years ago lieve they have a right to be on the road; in Is- and, continuing through the Ottoman Imperial tanbul, it seems right to believe that most bicy- and modern clists have a Republican death wish. periods, the Furthermore, two States’ if the aver- histories have age German been inter- driver imag- twined. The ines himself story of these to be Dale two peoples Earnhardt, it dates back, in fact, to a time before Germany seems as if the average driver in Istanbul en- and Turkey were nation-states, to a time when visions himself as Luke Skywalker; the former there were just German- and Turkish-speaking strives for speed and precision, while the latter people. seems content to let “the Force” guide his ac- tions. Three TOP Fellows—Sarah Segal (2012), Kevin Witte (2010) and I (2008, ’12)—had the oppor- It may be somewhat surprising, however, to note tunity to add to their knowledge of the historic the historical ties that bind the two peoples. In and contemporary connections between Ger- this regard, it may be useful to draw an analogy many and Turkey when they traveled to Turkey between Berlin and Istanbul. Specifically, one this past summer. All three were participants in need not have visited Berlin to recognize the the NEH Summer Institute, “Istanbul Between Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag; likewise, East and West: Crossroads of History.” While one needn’t have been to Istanbul to identify some of what they discovered may be familiar the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Less to you, some of it may be surprising and some well known, however, is that the latter two are may be ironic. adjacent to the ancient Hippodrome. Once the location of Roman Triumphs and chariot races, Of a recognizable and contemporary nature, it is now a public square in which two monu- it may be illustrative to mention some ways in ments that connect Germany and Turkey are which Germany and Turkey differ. The most ob- prominent. The older of the memorials is the

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 15 ALUMNI CONTRIBUTION

Obelisk of Thutmosis III, which was removed Ottomans were now convinced that they need- from Egypt and brought to Constantinople by ed an economic and military power to aid them the Emperor Theodosius in AD 390. On its base, as they attempted to break from their dol- one can see a relief of the emperor presenting a drums. For their part, the Germans wanted to laurel wreath and, below that image in what has cultivate a potential ally to escape what they been termed “a bit of Roman propaganda,” one feared was their Einkreisung—encirclement. It sees the “barbarian” tribes of Europe—German was, in short, a relationship that both wished speaking people—paying tribute to Rome. A to develop and an association that both hoped stone’s throw to the east, one will discover the would be mutually beneficial. German Fountain, a gift from the Imperial Gov- ernment to commemorate Kaiser Wilhelm II’s When The Great War commenced, it was a visit to the Ottoman capital in 1898. This was, German general, Otto Liman von Sanders, who of course, at a time when German engineers, was selected to lead the Ottoman Army. In bankers and industrialists were working with April 1915, Great Britain attempted to strike at their Turkish counter- “the soft underbelly” of parts to plan the Berlin the Central Powers by to Baghdad railway. capturing the Straits of the Dardanelles. In Relations between the what became known as two peoples have not, the Battle of Gallipoli, however, always been the 60-year-old Liman so cordial. In 1197, for von Sanders made the example, the Holy Ro- fateful decision to ap- man Emperor Henry VI point an Ottoman offi- undertook a crusade to cer almost half his age pry the Levant from the named Mustafa Kemal Seljuk Turks. In 1529, to repel the amphibious the Ottoman Sultan Su- invasion. Although the leiman the Magnificent defense of the Straits repaid the favor when Far left: Sarah Segal; Far Right: Tom Bittner, Kevin Witte was a major success for he attempted to wrest the Central Powers, the Vienna from the Hapsburg Emperor Charles V. war ended in the dissolution of both the Ger- While neither effort succeeded, each had sig- man and Ottoman empires. nificant historical consequences. In the former instance, Henry’s invasion precipitated the rise During the 1920s, both States experimented of the Ottoman Turks while, in the latter, Sulei- with republican forms of government and at- man’s incursion helped to ensure the survival of tempted to rebuild their national pride. In Ger- Martin Luther’s reform movement. many, crippling reparations payments, hyperin- flation and the Great Depression would fatally By the dawn of the twentieth century, the Im- weaken the Weimar Republic. In Anatolia, Mus- perial Reich was a modern nation-state—as well tafa Kemal—a corporatist and positivist who as the preeminent military power on The Conti- viewed himself as the agent of change in one nent—while the Sublime Porte was pejoratively of history’s critical phases—would, as president referred to as “The Sick Man of Europe.” The of the Republic of Turkey, institute a series of Tanzimat reforms (begun under Sultan Mahmud reforms that saved and revivified his country. II) having proven less than fully successful, the By doing so, he would earn a place in history

16 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 and the honorific surname Atatürk—“Father of their families to the Bundesrepublik Deutsch- the Turks.” land, where they established ethnic neighbor- hoods—the most famous of which may be Atatürk knew that this spate of reforms would found in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, or, if one require an educated, skilled civil service and prefers, “Little Istanbul.” workforce to implement them and ensure their realization. He calculated that closing the old Today, more than a half-century after its incep- university—the Imperial House of Applied Sci- tion, this arrangement continues to have con- ences—and dismissing its faculty, who objected sequences for both countries. Even though it is to his revolutionary program, provided the best impossible to briefly summarize all of those re- opportunity to assure the program’s success. percussions, perhaps it is not unfair to say that, for both countries, it has been a mixed bless- The product of that decision, Istanbul Univer- ing. Upon reflection, however, one might point sity, is a fifteen-minute walk from the Hippo- out that the same may be said for most long- drome. During the 1930s that university and its term relationships. counterparts throughout the new Turkey would be staffed by a legion of German expatriates Unlike the English language, both the Turkish seeking Zuflucht am Bosporus—refuge on the and German tongues have a phrase that ex- Bosphorus. Among this star-studded coterie presses the idea that a relationship is intended were two men who would return to Germany to be long-term—and that the acquaintance after the Second World War and earn global will be continued. “Görüşmek üzere!” - “Auf renown. wiedersehen.” Although not as graceful in Eng- lish, both phrases convey the idea that, “We’ll Ernst Reuter went to the new capital, Ankara, meet again.” For three very lucky TOP Fellows, taught urban planning and became an advisor the concept of meeting again and continuing to Atatürk’s government. Arriving in Berlin af- the process of discovery—of learning about ter the war, Reuter was elected mayor and be- and from one another—became a reality this came the symbol of the city’s resistance during summer. Their journey permitted them to expe- the Berlin Blockade. His courage and determi- rience another culture and to compare it with nation would later cause Time magazine to be- two others—their own and Germany’s. stow on him the sobriquet “Herr Berlin.” Ultimately, what they found out is that if rela- Wilhelm Röpke would teach economics in Is- tionships are to be maintained, it helps if the tanbul before returning to Europe, where he conversation begins—regardless of the lan- became one of the principal architects of the guage—with a greeting and concludes with the Wirtschaftswunder, the economic miracle of fond hope of sustaining the relationship—of West Germany’s recovery. continuing the dialogue and building bridges, regardless of the language. In 1961, in order to expand the workforce that drove the economic miracle, the West Germany signed an agreement with Turkey that permitted Turkish citizens to immigrate to West Ger- many to become Gastarbeiter—guest workers. Although the agreement expired in 1973, most of the Turks who had settled in West Germa- ny elected to remain, and eventually brought

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 17 FELLOW NEWS

Ann T. Ackerman, 2006, NH, published several Tom Bittner, 2008, 2012, NY, recently partici- articles in Social Studies and the Young Child, pated in a three-week NEH Institute, “Istanbul co-wrote a chapter in the soon to be published Between East and West: Crossroads of His- book, National Survey on the Status of Social tory.” Additionally, Tom became a member of Studies: Views from the Field and is co-pre- two committees formed by the New York State senting a workshop at the 2013 Annual Ful- Council for the Social Studies, the Presidential bright Conference in Washington, DC. Task Force on Curriculum and Assessment and the NYSCSS Professional Development Com- Michael Anderson, 2010, WA, traveled to Chi- mittee. na with The Summer China Travel and Teach- ing Program in the summer of 2011. In July 2012 Bev Blamer, 2005, MI, is starting her 31st year he did a New York trip with the Gilman Leh- teaching Sixth Grade and will be having a stu- rman Institute. In 2013 Michael traveled for five dent teacher. Last year she took a group of weeks in South Africa with the Endowment for middle schoolers to Italy for Spring Break. the Humanities. Michael and his wife welcomed They visited Venice, Florence, Pisa, and Rome. their first grandchild (Jane) in 2012. Glen Blankenship, Group Leader 2003, GA, Michele Anderson, 2013, MI, received the was awarded the Berryman Award for 35 years Governor John B. Swainson award, given by of outstanding service to the organization and the Michigan Historical Commission to state, the education profession by the Georgia Coun- county or municipal employees who have gone cil for the Social Studies. Glen was a participant above and beyond their official job duties to in the Bundestag Guest Program awarded by help preserve Michigan’s history. Michele was the Federal Republic of Germany in June 1994 also selected as the Michigan Council for His- and led many TOP study tours in subsequent tory Education’s Secondary History Teacher of years. Dr. Blankenship currently serves as As- the Year. sociate Director and Chief Program Officer for the Georgia Council on Economic Education. Debra Ballweg, 2009, WI, now has four grand- sons ranging in ages from four to three months. Michael Boucher, 2007, IN, graduated from She will be having a house guest from Germany Indiana University with his Ph.D. in Curriculum in the fall of 2013, when about twenty students Studies in May 2013. arrive along with their chaperones from Hes- sen. She is looking forward to the visit! Matthew Bundy, 2010, ID, participated in the Spring 2013 Korean Studies Fellowship spon- Linda B. Bennett, 2007, MO, received a lead- sored by The Korea Society. Currently serving ership appointment as Assistant to Provost as the Social Studies Chair at Mountain Home at the University of Missouri. Linda is also an High School and as an Adjunct Professor in Po- American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow litical Science at Boise State University. and part of the Centennial Hall of Fame, where twenty alumni were selected as inaugural in- Jennifer Burgin, 2006, VA, (formerly Jennifer ductees into the University of Memphis Educa- Langam) married last summer in Virginia. She tion Hall of Fame, which celebrated 100 years is currently going through the National Board of outstanding alumni and faculty of the Col- Certification Process and teaching in Arling- lege of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. ton, Virginia. She spent some time this summer studying with the U.S. Botanical Garden with the HOPS Program (Hands on Plant Science).

18 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 Lee Anne Burton, 2012, WV, received the 2013 Pam Danielson, 2008, ID, went on a fantastic Marion County Reading Teacher of the Year study tour of Morocco through GEEO (www. Award and won the Scholastic Summer Read- geeo.org) last summer. ing Plan Contest. (The prize of 375 books was shared between 3 classes!) Her students en- Adalia Davis, 2002, TX, spent ten days in Ha- joyed creating a news program about Germa- waii studying volcanoes with 23 other teachers ny with a game show, commercials, dancing, as part of a GeoVenture through the Geological cooking, and German facts. Society of America. She presented three ses- sions at the National Council for Geographic Nathan Carlberg, 2012, IL, and his wife wel- Education conference in Denver in 2013 and in comed their first child on August 15, 2013: Ju- June she was one of about 94 geospatial edu- dah Hillis Carlberg! cators selected to participate in Esri’s T3G In- stitute at their headquarters in Redlands, Cali- Patricia Casanova, 2008, FL, traveled to New fornia. Adalia was also selected to participate York city to attend the Gilder Lehrman 9/11 in the Choices Program’s first ever summer in- Memory and Memorial Museum workshop. It stitute for geography teachers. was an amazing opportunity that allowed a be- hind-the-scenes peek at the museum that will Wanda Dengel, 2008, 2012, OH, retired at the open in the spring of 2014. It was interesting end of the 2012 - 2013 school year. She was to compare and learn about how the Memorial recently named the Director of Catechetical for the Murdered Jews of Europe was chosen Preparation at her parish where she will work in Berlin, and Patricia was very proud to have with first and second graders. She will use her been the only Social Studies teacher in the travel experiences in Croatia this Fall (Septem- room who had the opportunity to visit the me- ber/October) in her catechesis. morial. Patricia’s class has also completed projects with the Carl-Bosch Grundschule through Paul Dickler, 2008, TOP Fellow of the Year e-mail, cards, reports and videos. 2010, Group Leader 2011, PA/WI, was named Associate Director of the Wachman Center at Tracy Cobden, 2008, MO, took a group of stu- the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He com- dents to Germany and parts of Eastern Europe pleted his 30th TOP Workshop/Inservice this in summer 2013. Her students fell in love with fall. Berlin and enjoyed exploring the city. It was their favorite part of the trip. Jennifer Eastman-Miller, 2010, FL, began a new job at Riverview High School in Sarasota, Brandi Cook, 2005, SC, is beginning her sev- FL teaching World History and Psychology. enteenth year at Marion High School (full time) She will welcome a new addition to her family and is teaching Political Science 101 at Francis on December 23, 2013 (it’s a boy!). Marion University two nights each week. She is currently writing her thesis (How important Kay Gandy, 2005, KY, led a study abroad to was Shays’ Rebellion to the Constitutional Con- Peru in January 2013 entitled ‘Leadership on vention?) for her second Master’s Degree in the Amazon Frontier’. She also trained teach- American History and Government from Ash- ers in China in April 2013 to meet Kentucky land University. Teacher Standards (these teachers were get- ting certified to teach the Chinese language in Kentucky schools for five years).

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 19 FELLOW NEWS

Tom Glaser, 2008, FL, was a 2012 TEACH Fel- Yellowstone National Parks, and took two oth- low of the Bilateral U.S. – Arab Chamber of ers to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. As a Commerce to Bahrain and Qatar. He won the result, his German as improved! 2012 Paul Hanson Award for Service to Social Studies Education from the Miami-Dade Coun- Julie Hufstetler, 2009, TX, gave birth to a son cil for the Social Studies. He was a participant named Owen Daniel on April 26, 2012! In May in the United States Holocaust Memorial Mu- 2013 she completed her M.A. in European His- seum Regional Education Summit. He was a tory with an emphasis on Modern Germany. participant in the Centropa East Coast Winter Her second child was born in September 2013 Seminar at Duke University in March, 2013. He (named Eleanor Joy). was a participant in the Fulbright Kommission Diversity in German Education Seminar at the Jason Jeandell, 2005, DE, is the recent winner University of Tübingen, Germany in summer of the Innovative Schools of Delaware award 2013 as well as a participant in the Centropa for best Business/Community Partnership in Summer Academy in Berlin in 2013. Education for Teaching in Project Based Learn- ing, and he presented at the New Tech Annual Susan Gratz, 2007, TN, was promoted to Di- Conference in New Orleans, LA on the topic of rector of Assessment/NCATE Coordinator for making Business connections to Education. Carter and Moyers School of Education in Sep- tember 2013. Although she is no longer in the Anne Kelsey-Zibert, 2012, SC, was named the classroom, she is still a teacher consultant and Greenville County (SC) School District Teacher member of the strategic planning committee of the Year for the 2013-14 school year. Her TOP for the Tennessee Geographic Alliance. participation and the German Club she started at her school are mentioned in the district’s re- Tara Gray, 2010, WA, is excited to move to a cent write up. new Bellevue school this year where she’ll be the Assistant Principal of Cherry Crest Elemen- Nate Larsen, 2009, 2013, NE, received an ING tary. Unsung Heroes Award in 2013. Nate also spoke on the Holocaust at a conference in Septem- Curtis Greeley, 2009, CA, has been working ber 2013 for the Nebraska Holocaust Education hard to integrate the Common Core into his Consortium through the Institute for Holocaust classroom in Santa Maria, California. “I’m go- Education; he also spoke on modern Germany ing to pose questions to you that don’t have at a conference in October 2013 for the Ne- answers,” he is quoted as saying to his students braska Association of Middle Level Educators. in a recent newspaper article. He said students would be asked to postulate and explain their Christine LaRue, 2012, IL, attended a study reasoning. They would reenact signing of the tour of Turkey funded by the Turkish Cultural Paris Peace Treaty, the Versailles Conference Foundation in summer 2013. and the French Revolution. “We’re actually going to experience history,” Greeley said.

Dale Greenawald, 2002, TOP Fellow of the Year 2005, CO, began hosting German guests for a total of three months since May 2013. He took one on a 2,800 mile motorcycle trip to Capitol Reef, Bryce, Zion, Grand Tetons and

20 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 Thomas Lenihan, 2012, VA, was selected to tional Council for the Social Studies. She has participate in a National Endowment for the conducted many TOP workshops at local, state Humanities summer teacher seminar: The and national conferences, and shared Goethe- Dutch Republic and Britain: The Making of Institut resources with teachers she visited Modern Society and a European World Econo- in Latvia and Ireland this summer. She is the my. Along with 15 other teachers, Tom studied SMART Elite Showcase School coordinator at and traveled around England, The Netherlands her school and a member of the Discovery Ed- and Belgium for five weeks. They visited muse- ucation Network Leadership Council. She is ex- ums, churches and other historic sites associ- cited for the release of the new Goethe-Institut ated with the seminar topic. curriculum, which she will share at local and state conferences this semester! Michael Jon Littman, 2009, FL, is progress- ing on a historical research project involving a Gloria Freels McElroy, 2010, TN, earned her 1921 KKK murder in Key West, Florida. He was doctoral degree in 2012 in addition to winning awarded the Bilateral US/ Arab Chamber of a spot with the 2013 Foreign Policy Research Commerce TEACH fellowship to Bahrain and Institute’s September Institute for Teachers in Qatar in summer 2013 and was additionally Philadelphia concerning democracy. Gloria was awarded a National Endowment for the Hu- busy in January 2013 when she took 50 stu- manities fellowship to study African Americans dents to the Presidential Inauguration. in the New England whaling industry and their connections to the underground rail road. Gail Mercurio, 2013, NC, introduced the Ger- man tradition of “Schultüte” (school cones) to Manuel Lopez, 2004, CA, was awarded Teach- her FIRST YEAR teachers (photo below). A er of the Year for California’s 30th District by Schultüte contains school supplies and is given Assemblyman Luis Alego. He did a five week to children starting their first year of school in study tour to South Africa in 2013 under the Germany. As the coordinator of the Beginning National Endowment for the Humanities. Teacher Support Program, Gail’s “newbies” starting their first year also got school supplies Mark Matthews, 2012, IN, was named the 2013 in their cones (party hats), knowledge of a Ger- James Madison Fellow from Indiana and has man tradition, and an idea to share with their begun working on an M.A. in American history students. and government at Ashland University.

Merwin A. McCoy, 2008, TN, has been an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 2008-present. Over the past year, he spent two months in Central Ameri- can countries “helping to build US- Latin American relations.”

Mary McCullagh, 2006, 2010, TOP Fellow of the Year 2012, Group Lead- er 2013, FL, serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Na-

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 21 FELLOW NEWS

Scott Noet, 2006, TOP Fellow of the Year by the national Foreign Language Teacher As- 2009, Group Leader 2010, MN, was recog- sociation, he began developing classroom ma- nized for his work integrating sustainability terials which involve the teaching of the STEM education into the Social Studies by the Upper subjects in the German language. Siggi partici- Midwest Sustainability Alliance. Scott will also pated in a German teacher language seminar be a panel member at the NCSS conference in in Austria in August 2013. He was chosen to re- St. Louis entitled “Entry Points for Including ceive the Certificate of Merit by the Wisconsin Environmental/Sustainability Education in So- Association of Foreign Language Teachers at cial Studies Classrooms”. their annual meeting in November 2014.

Kim O’Neil, 2003, Group Leader 2009, NY, Mike Raymer, 2007, 2012, GA, was recently se- was elected as vice-president of NCSS and will lected to be a writer for the Council for Eco- chair the 2015 NCSS convention in New Or- nomic Education’s upcoming “High School leans. Be sure to join NCSS! Economics” publication due out in the spring of 2014. Chris O’Brien, 2010, AZ, was selected as one of 24 Arizona teachers to receive the 2012 “MVP Quinn Rollins, 2008, UT, was promoted to So- in the Classroom” award, presented by Uni- cial Studies Specialist for Granite School Dis- versity of Phoenix and the Arizona Cardinals trict and will be presenting “Pop Culture in the professional football team. In June 2013, Chris Social Studies Classroom” at NCSS this No- participated in a Fulbright-Hays study tour for vember in St Louis. world history teachers. Sponsored by the Pro- gram for Teaching East Asia at the University Sue Reeder, 2013, FL, began a new job at St. of Colorado, the U.S. Department of Educa- Petersburg Catholic High School. tion and the Freeman Foundation, the group of twelve educators traveled extensively for one Ivy Schamis, 2012, FL, participated in a pro- month throughout Japan studying the history gram in Seoul, South Korea. Ivy was asked to be and culture. the American representative at an International Conference on Education, which was a fantas- Lawrence Paska, 2006, NY, was recently ap- tic experience as she met people from Russia, pointed as the K-12 Director of Social Studies Vietnam, Switzerland, and of course Korea. It for the Harrison Central School District (in New was the 10th Anniversary of the Academy of York), after serving 9 years in various roles at Korean Studies and Ivy gave a presentation on the New York State Education Department. ‘What American Students Know About Korea’.

Michael Pierce, 2012, WA, participated in his Arlin Scharfenberg, 2009, MB, and a colleague third German American Partnership Program took a group of grade 11 and 12 students to the (GAPP) in spring and summer of 2013, which Netherlands, Belgium, and France in March of was an overwhelming success. Along with so- 2013. The main focus of the trip was to visit cial studies, he will be teaching German lan- Canadian battlefields and cemeteries. Arlin’s guage for the first time this school year! grade 11 son was one of the participants whose highlight was purchasing an American bayonet Siggi Piwek, 2009, WI, presented a number of from an antique shop in Juno. Another student workshops at the 2013 Central States Confer- was able to visit the grave of his Great Uncle ence of Foreign Language Teachers (CSCTFL) who died in World War I. in Columbus, OH. With support through a grant

22 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 Lenore Schneider, 2007, CT, still uses her ex- hosted and stayed at the Iganga Secondary periences from TOP at each of her AP semi- School for Girls north of Jinja, Uganda. For the nars. She recently taught at six conferences, last week of her trip, Vonda went on safari in and the participants were very impressed with northern Tanzania to the Serengeti Plain, the her description of all that she learned and the Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge, and Mt. extraordinary professional development she Kilimanjaro. received. Crystal Thiele, 2010, NY, participated in a Sarah Segal, 2012, OR, has been named re- Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship aboard the Na- cipient of the first annual Robert H. Jackson tional Geographic Explorer, which traveled to Center National Award for Teaching Justice, in Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic. This partnership with the National Council for the field-based experience allowed her to gather Social Studies (NCSS). This prestigious award resources for the classroom on the Arctic, in- was created to recognize individuals who have cluding wildlife, flora, culture and other natu- made an outstanding contribution toward ral phenomenon, such as northern lights and teaching the concept of justice in creative, glaciation. Crystal also received her National inspiring ways, which may include teaching Board Certification in 2012. about civil liberties, human rights, international humanitarian law, the Holocaust, genocide Melissa Tracy, 2012, DE, was the recipient of studies, or local issues of justice. the James Madison Fellowship for the state of Delaware, and is hosting a German exchange Wendy Sierra, 2010, TX, participated in a Ful- student for the 2013-2014 academic year. bright-Hays Summer Seminar Abroad: Reli- gious Puralism of India. She was 1 of 13 teach- Rhonda Watton, 2008, WI, traveled to Kenya ers who spent five weeks traveling to Delhi, and Tanzania for two weeks this past summer. Amritsar, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Madurai, Kolka- Rhonda flew into Nairobi then traveled to the ta, Varanasi and Agra to explore the religious equator, spent time in a Ribe, Kenya--a village traditions of India. outside of Mombasa--both in schools and the community, flew to the island of Zanzibar and Melinda Odom Staubs, 2012, AL, was promot- then to Arusha, Tanzania, for a multiple day sa- ed to Associate Professor at Jackson State Uni- fari experience. Truly a trip of a lifetime! Rhon- versity. da was also selected as the 2013 NCSS Out- standing Middle Level Social Studies Teacher Frank Stewart, 2010, CA, has traveled/visited of the Year. the following countries; Britain, Cambodia, Canada, China, Egypt, Jordan, Thailand, Turkey Andi Webb, 2012, NC, taught Chinese teach- and Vietnam since his TOP trip in 2010! ers of English in the Fujian province of China in the summer of 2013. She presented at the Vonda Tabor, 2003, VA, spent one month National Science Teachers’ Association Con- in Eastern Africa during the summer of 2013. ferences in Louisville, Kentucky and San Anto- She was invited to teach at schools in south- nio, Texas in the fall of 2012 and spring of 2013. ern Uganda by one of the teachers she met Andi also presented at the annual World View through the International Leaders in Education (UNC Chapel Hill) meeting for partners across Fellows Program (ILEP) sponsored by James North Carolina. Madison University (JMU). Vonda taught at several schools in Kampala, Uganda, and was NEWS concludes on next page...

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 23 FELLOW NEWS

Lee Weber, 2012, IA, moved from a classroom teaching position at a University Laboratory School to a Field Experience Coordinator role with the University. Lee and his wife celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in August 2013!

Allison Weller, 2007, NY, studied Korean history and culture this summer through the Korea Society’s Fellowship for American Educators program.

Keith White, 2006, AZ, recently retired from public high school education after 15 years. Kevin is now instructing (part time adjunct) at Arizona State University. Kevin recently returned from a Rhine River Cruise which brought back many fond memories of Germany, and his family has grown to 5 grandchildren!

IN MEMORIAM

Pam Howard, 2011, CO, passed away the first week of November 2013 after a battle with cancer. She received a funeral with full military honors at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs on November 18. She is survived by her husband, Bill, and son, Alec. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations to the Pam Howard Memorial National Honor Society Scholarship Fund at Palmer Ridge High School at 19255 Monument Hill Road, Monument, CO 80132.

Sincerest condolences to the Howard family from the TOP Team in Washington.

24 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 TOP MATERIALS INTRODUCING NEW RESOURCES FOR YOUR CLASSROOM!

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 25 TOP MATERIALS

GERMANY IN FOCUS FOR MIDDLE / SECONDARY EDUCATORS

Germany In Focus is designed to provide secondary and middle school social studies teachers with comprehensive lessons on Germany - historical and contemporary - that can be easily integrated into preexisting curricula in world history, geography, comparative government, economics, and sustainability.

The book is organized into seven sections or foci: Geography, Society, History, Reunification, Political System, Economy, and Sustainability:

Each lesson is correlated to the revised 2010 NCSS...

26 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 ...and Common Core Standards:

Each section begins with excerpts from interviews with a diverse group of Germans which relate to the focus topic. Teachers may use these as stimuli to pique student interest in the focus topic. The lesson organization consists of a focus question or questions to guide instruction:

Each lesson also inlcudes an overview which summarizes the objective of the lesson, pertinent teacher background information, a suggested time frame, instructional resources (located on the accompanying Instructional Resource Disc), and a detailed lesson procedure. In addition, there is a whole group reflection, which reconnects students with the focus question(s), lesson modifications and extensions.

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 27 TOP MATERIALS

LET’S EXPLORE MODERN GERMANY FOR ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE EDUCATORS

Let’s Explore Modern Germany is designed to provide elementary and middle school social studies teachers with comprehensive lessons on Germany - historical and contemporary - that can be easily integrated into preexisting curricula.

The book is organized into four sections: Geography, Contemporary Life, History, and the Grimm Brothers and Other Tales.

Similar to Germany In Focus, each lesson is correlated to the revised 2010 NCSS and Common Core Standards and includes a lesson overview that summarizes the objectives of the lesson, pertinent teacher background information, a suggested time frame, instructional resources (located on the accompanying Instructional Resource Disc), and a detailed lesson procedure. In addition, there is a whole group reflection, which reconnects students with the focus question(s), lesson modifications and extensions. The lesson design allows the teacher to integrate social studies with literacy, mathematics, and science.

SAMPLE LESSON & TOP LESSON EVALUATION FORM

The following pages contain a sample lesson from the Let’s Explore Modern Germany instructional strategy guide. Lesson 1.5, Measuring With Metrics, is a short lesson designed to provide elementary/middle school students with the opportunity to apply their understanding of metrics in situations they may encounter when traveling throughout Germany. Students will engage in activities that require making conversions between the United States customary system and the metric system. Perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad idea to teach this lesson with a math, science, or STEM colleague?

The accompanying handouts are also provided.

Following the lesson and handouts, refer to the TOP Lesson Evaluation Form on page 35. Feed- back is essential for TOP. We need to know how our materials are being used in the classroom and more importantly how students are benefiting from various lesson strategies. We use this information to decide which of our existing materials to republish and what new materials to cre- ate. Finally, attaching the form to a study tour application can also be beneficial.

28 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 29 30 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 31 32 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 33 34 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 35 To obtain a digital version of the TOP Lesson Evaluation Form, please visit the TOP website at www.goethe.de/top or use the QR code:

36 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 TOP MATERIALS FOR WORKSHOP LEADERS

The Transatlantic Outreach Program provides its instructional strategy guides, student workbooks, wall maps, the Field Trip to Berlin DVD, and more to in-service workshop leaders.

Whether you are an experienced teacher-trainer or want to conduct an in-service workshop for the first time, there are many reasons to lead a “modern Germany” workshop with TOP teaching materials. For starters, if you are already familiar with our teaching materials, then leading a workshop is the easiest way to obtain copies for your colleagues. Becoming an active workshop leader within your school or district is one way to advance your career as an educator beyond the classroom. Workshop leaders can also gain exposure on the state, regional, and national levels through various educator conferences. Finally, becoming a workshop leader will enhance your application should you apply for a TOP study tour to Germany.

To order materials, visit the TOP website: www.goethe.de/top

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 37 STUDY TOUR: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY? 7. HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF BEING Eligible applicants include the following from the United SELECTED? States and Canada: Social Studies teachers (grades K-12), Your application can be enhanced with the inclusion of a Social Studies methods professors, curriculum coordina- completed TOP Lesson Evaluation Form (pages 35-36) af- tors, principals/assistant principals and applicable States’ ter teaching at least one lesson from either the Let’s Explore Department of Education employees. Modern Germany or Germany In Focus instructional strategy guides. 2. HOW DO I APPLY? Follow the instructions on the TOP website: download the We ask that applicants document the workshops they have application form and use the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader led on the résumé (CV) portion of their application form. One way to gain workshop leadership experience is by lead- software to open and complete the form. ing a TOP workshop.

3. WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE? HOW The application review committee reads applicants’ essays LONG MUST I WAIT TO BE NOTIFIED? very carefully. It is recommended that someone proofread The 2014 application deadline is February 3. Application your essay before submission. It is also recommended that packets must be postmarked on or before this date. Notifi- you reference current events in your first essay. Finally, you cation letters will be mailed by April 1 at the latest. be as specific as possible when describing how you will follow through with your post-tour responsibilities in the sec- 4. HOW MUCH DOES THE STUDY TOUR COST? ond essay. TOP pays for most expenses through the support of its partners. TOP pays for most domestic and international 8. WHAT IS THE CATCH? transportation fees, hotel accommodation fees, two meals This is a study tour. In fact, there is not much free time dur- per day while abroad (usually breakfast and dinner), and ing the two weeks abroad. We ask that all participants come any mandatory study tour related fees, such as museum en- willing to engage, to learn, and to be able to absorb a lot try fees, etc. of information during a fun, yet mentally and sometimes physically intense two weeks in Germany. • TOP pays neither for domestic nor for international air- Upon returning from Germany, every participant is required line baggage fees when incurred. to 1) write “something new” such as a “unit of learning” • TOP does not pay for passport/visa renewal fees. consisting of one or more lessons and 2) conduct one TOP • TOP does not pay for incidental hotel costs, including workshop at the local, district, state, regional, or national but not limited to long-distance telephone service, In- level by May 1, 2015. The “unit” may consist of any “Germa- ternet service (WiFi), Pay-Per-View, laundry service, ny-related” lessons of your choosing. mini bar, etc.

Each participant will have her or his own hotel room. 9. JUST HOW “PHYSICALLY INTENSE” ARE THE STUDY TOURS? While groups travel long distances by plane, train, or bus, A refundable deposit is required upon acceptance. The participants must sometimes walk distances of several deposit amount for 2014 participants is $350.00 USD. De- posit refund depends on the successful completion of the miles per day. Punctuality is paramount, so walking briskly is sometimes necessary. items listed in question 8 of this FAQ. Participants are also responsible for their luggage at all 5. WHEN DO THE STUDY TOURS TAKE PLACE? times. This can be especially challenging when embarking/ The study tours are two weeks in length and take place dur- disembarking trains. Elevators and escalators are also not ing the summer months. The specific tour dates are listed at omnipresent, so navigating stairways with luggage can be the top of the application form. Applicants are encouraged problematic for even the most experienced travelers. In ad- to select as many of the applicable dates as possible. dition to walking, groups may take one (optional) bicycle tour. Alternative arrangements will be made for participants 6. IS KNOWLEDGE OF THE GERMAN LANGUAGE A with disabilities. REQUIREMENT? Since TOP caters to American and Canadian educators of The nature of summer weather in Germany, from hot to cold social studies, knowledge of the German language is NOT temperatures to frequent rain can sometimes pose unique a requirement. German language educators wanting to challenges to some travelers. travel to Germany are encouraged to contact their nearest Goethe-Institut for scholarship opportunities. 10. WHAT WILL THE ITINERARY LOOK LIKE? The emphasis will be on modern German issues, relating especially to the political system, economy, culture, education, and environmental sustainability. Additional themes of APPLY ONLINE! note include the legacy of the Holocaust, German unifica- tion, and European integration.

38 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 2013 ABOUT TOP

DEAR SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATOR, AT A GLANCE We would like to thank you for taking interest in the Transatlantic Outreach Pro- gram. We know your time is precious and we hope you have enjoyed the latest MAIN OFFICE ADDRESS: edition of our newsletter. TOP Goethe-Institut Washington Whether you are one of our experienced Fellows or learning about us for the 812 7th Street NW first time, we hope you have found something in this newsletter that will en- Washington, DC 20001 courage you to build a professional relationship with TOP. The articles contained herein were written by educators just like you, who only a short time PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION: ago had never heard about the opportunities available to them through our www.goethe.de/top program. Should you decide that your classroom is ready to “span continents,” be it through the use of specific teaching materials, leading workshops, going [email protected] on a study tour, or engaging in any type of student exchange with teddy bears, (202) 289-1200 video conferencing, or otherwise, then we hope you will strongly consider the Transatlantic Outreach Program as a partner on your Journey. PRIVATE PARTNERS: Deutsche Bank The Transatlantic Outreach Program (TOP) - a non-profit, public/private part- Robert Bosch Stiftung nership between the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, the Goethe-Institut, SIEMENS Corporation Deutsche Bank, the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and the Siemens Corporation - was founded in 2002... PUBLIC PARTNERS: Foreign Office of the Germany • To promote education about Germany, • To encourage intercultural dialogue, Goethe-Institut • To provide educators the opportunity to experience Germany in person. PRESIDENT OF THE TOP BOARD: TOP promotes awareness of Germany within the context of its education and Dr. Peter Ammon political systems, vocational training, corporate social responsibility, environ- German Ambassador to the USA mental sustainability, culture, history, geography and more. TEACHING MATERIALS DISTRIBUTED: One of the first questions many people ask us is,Why Germany? 22,884 (2012 only) Well, for one, many Americans have German ancestry. Germany is home to one of the world’s largest economies by GDP and is one of the world’s leading ex- WORKSHOPS SPONSORED: porters. Germany is a prime mover in European integration and was a founding 250 / 3000 attendees (2012 only) member of the European Union. Germany is an immigrant nation, bordered by more countries than any other in Europe. Germany is a global leader in en- NUMBER OF TOP FELLOWS 2013: vironmental protection and “green” technologies. Germany and the USA are 102 important international partners that share common problems and must work together to find common solutions. Finally, promoting dialogue between coun- NUMBER OF TOP FELLOWS TO DATE: tries and cultures is the cornerstone of German foreign educational and cultural 1057 policy. It is about actively building bridges between peoples in an effort to fos- ter greater understanding and enable nations to be viewed in their cultural and historical contexts.

If you are ready to learn more about what TOP has to offer you and your students, then we invite you to visit our website, send us an e-mail, or even “like” us on Facebook!

Thanks for reading! The TOP Team

2013 MODERNGERMANYUPDATE 39 TRANSATLANTIC TOP OUTREACH PROGRAM

TRANSATLANTIC OUTREACH PROGRAM GOETHE-INSTITUT WASHINGTON 812 7th STREET NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001

WWW.GOETHE.DE/TOP [email protected] (202) 289-1200

A PUBLIC / PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR NORTH AMERICAN SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATORS