September 23, 2014

Alumna gets lesson in social justice at Library of Congress

When Willow McCormick BA ’02, MAT ’06 learned of her selection for a teacher institute at the Library of Congress, she looked forward to furthering her passion for social justice in the nation’s capital.

When Willow McCormick BA ’02, MAT ’06 learned of her selection for a teacher institute at the Library of Congress, she looked forward to furthering her passion for social justice in the nation’s capital. The institute provided McCormick and other educators from throughout the United States with a week to explore a wealth of physical resources pertinent to the civil rights movement.

As the teacher of a combined second- and third-grade class at Willamette Primary School in West Linn, Oregon, McCormick is committed to a curriculum that addresses injustices. Many of this year’s lesson plans will be enhanced by the documents and photos she uncovered while in Washington, D.C., especially regarding school segregation.

“Any social studies unit can be enriched with primary sources,” McCormick told the West Linn Tidings in a recent article about her unique experience. “My purpose is to empower my students to feel they can make a positive difference in the world, starting now.”

Katrina Staaf ’16 contributed to this story.

West Linn Tidings Teacher Education