Middleton High School is proud to congratulate social studies teacher Andy Hartman on earning a fellowship with the Smithsonian Institution's Democracy in Dialogue Program. The program brings educators to Washington, D.C., to collaborate and train on the Smithsonian’s extensive archives and educational resources.
Hartman shared why he wanted to be part of the program, which aims to foster civic engagement, civil discourse, and an appreciation for democratic institutions by connecting students from diverse regions across the country.
“The Smithsonian Institution represents the premier curators and storytellers of our American story, housing some of the world's finest museums and historical collections,” Hartman said. “Having direct access to their extensive archives, world-class expertise, and individualized professional development is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At heart, I'm a social scientist and a history nerd. I'm going to nerd out and then bring that back to my community here in MCPASD.”
Hartman will travel to Washington, D.C., for three days in January for fully funded training and lesson design. The fellowship also includes several asynchronous professional development modules.
As part of his fellowship, Hartman’s social studies students will partner with students at another high school in a different region of the United States during the spring semester.
“I want our students to see the rich diversity across the American landscape,” Hartman said. “Understanding how different regions hold unique political, social, and economic values based on their local community needs is a significant lesson in the story of our country. Collaborating across regional lines expands their horizons beyond our local Dane County bubble to see how people live and think across the country.”
Hartman said the program’s core mission is strengthening students’ democratic habits.
“I want students to learn that democracy is built on collaborative relationships, constructive feedback, and compromise – finding solutions that benefit the broader public interest even when it requires finding middle ground,” he said. “I also hope they discover our deep commonalities. Young people across America share so many core values and aspirations, and recognizing that continuity across diverse regions is a powerful experience.”
The experience will wrap up with a student capstone project, where Hartman’s students will showcase their learning, collaborative insights, and engagement with Smithsonian resources.
“Opportunities like this are what fuel my passion to come back into the classroom every year,” Hartman said. “Learning from a premier institution like the Smithsonian alongside top-tier, highly motivated educators from around the country adds invaluable tools, pedagogical approaches, and fresh curriculum ideas to my teaching toolkit. Professional growth is essential in any field, and staying engaged in history, social scientific research, and civics keeps me inspired to continuously grow and deliver the best possible education to our students.”
MCPASD is grateful for educators like Hartman who exemplify the Curious Mindset in A Cardinal’s Journey by prioritizing professional development and exploring opportunities to gain new skills and perspectives.