By Davi Stuhlsatz

 Jarrod Foster’s trip to Washington, D.C. July 16-20 was a powerful experience for him, and will ripple out to impact his students at Rose Hill High School, as well.

The Derby resident and 1996 Derby High School graduate was one of 26 teachers selected out of 300 nominees for a summer professional development program, Founders Fellowship: Civil Liberty, Commerce, and the Constitution. 

“The program centered around property and the Constitution,” said Foster. “Even though the Constitution was written more than 200 years ago, it is timeless and relevant today. Our instruction taught us how to put it in a way kids can use and understand today.”

The former DHS student-athlete said he had excellent coaches and teachers at DHS, and that they played a role in his decision to become a teacher.

“I got into education primarily because of a desire to coach, but I always loved history,” he said. “History is a remarkable thing. The story-telling, and learning from the past are always interesting.”

During the program, Foster enjoyed lectures with constitutional scholars, discussions with fellow teachers, and scholar-led visits to historic sites.

“As a social studies teacher, a visit to Washington, D.C. is amazing,” he said. “I had never been. It was educational and a great experience. The Holocaust Museum was powerful emotionally, and the National Archives and Mt. Vernon were great, too.”

The Bill of Rights Institute partnered with the Foundation for Economic Education and the Fred and Mary Koch Foundation to host the program, which is aimed at deepening teachers’ understanding and appreciation of the American Founding.

Foster was selected for the program based upon his leadership displayed in the classroom and dedication to educating students about the connections between politics and economics in America.