The State University of New York College at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo)

Geneseo, New York, 14454

Last updated on August 23, 2025
Grant awarded by
Library of Congress
Region
East
Organization Type
College/University
Congressional District(s)
24, 25
Fiscal Year Of First Grant
FY 2025 [10/01/24 - 09/30/25]
Contributing Organization(s)
Livingston County Historical Society Museum
Organization description

Founded in 1871, SUNY Geneseo is a distinctive public honors college known for its strong tradition of academic excellence. Originally established as a Normal School, the Ella Cline Shear School of Education continues to be recognized for producing high-quality graduates. Students are trained to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach complex problems from multiple perspectives. Students who meet all graduation and academic major requirements may earn one of the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, or Bachelor of Professional Studies.

The School of Education at SUNY Geneseo offers nationally recognized clinical preparation programs for future educators. These programs prepare students for K–12 teacher certification and to serve as reflective decision-makers in diverse instructional settings. The Ella Cline Shear School of Education is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Project description

The TPS program at SUNY Geneseo is a unique collaboration between the Livingston County Historical Society Museum and the Ella Cline Shear School of Education. Its goal is to raise awareness of and promote the use of the Library of Congress’s digital primary sources in the elementary curriculum for grades K–6. The program aims to inspire pre-service teachers to utilize the Library of Congress website for instructional resources, content knowledge, and the development of critical thinking skills. It highlights the positive impact of teaching with primary sources on student learning outcomes.

This initiative addresses the need for effective instructional use of primary sources at three levels: pre-service teacher preparation, in-service teacher practice, and elementary student engagement. Pre-service teacher candidates develop instructional skills through a primary source module integrated into their elementary social studies methods course. They also gain hands-on experience by teaching primary source–based lessons in local elementary classrooms during their field placements.

To further support practicing teachers to utilize primary sources, the program includes in-person professional development workshops focused on effective strategies for integrating primary sources into elementary classroom lesson instruction.
TPS project focus
  • Academic Courses
  • Teaching Materials
  • Workshops
Content focus
  • Civics
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Information Literacy
  • Literacy
  • Math
  • American Revolution
  • Civil Rights
  • Civil War
Audience
  • Classroom teachers
  • Students
  • Teacher candidates/Student teachers
Level(s)
  • K-5
  • 3 - 5
  • 6 - 8
  • Undergraduate
Population focus
  • African Americans
  • Hispanic/Latinx
  • Low income
  • Native American/Indigenous
  • Rural
  • Urban
Organization Contact
James Oigara
joigara@geneseo.edu
Visit website