Institutions and Individuals: Context and Conditions of Teaching Geography in the United States
Rebecca Theobald
Associate Research Professor
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Editor, The Geography Teacher
Oct 13, 2023
3:30 PM, GUGG 205
Abstract
Who should come first in this discussion – institutions or individuals? In encouraging children from the earliest grades to explore the world, we know that individuals – parents, teachers, friends – have significant influence. Alternatively, the structure of a school and quality of engagement facilitates or prevents students from investigating the Earth with its varied features and inhabitants. What role do academic and professional geographers have in understanding geography education and awareness in the United States? What are key points of leverage for supporting educators and inspiring future geographers?