2003 Teacher Fellows Sharing their expertise about C-SPAN in the Classroom Meet this year's Fellows
David McBride explains what his students will say about the movie "Legally Blonde II" and C-SPAN	Robert Estrada discusses how C-SPAN allows teachers to find primary sources to go with their curricula	Barbara Markham explains how the website is a good place to start identifying appropriate clips for a specific curriculum
David McBride tells how he gets C-SPAN scheduling information and plans to tape programs	Barbara Markham describes use of American Writers and 2004 Vote programming	David McBride discusses using C-SPAN to teach about 2004 Vote and especially the electoral college
Robert Estrada tells how he uses C-SPAN as a source of political empowerment for his Latino students	Barbara Markham talks about what she likes about using C-SPAN as a resource	Robert Estrada explains the variety of resources and the value of the content on C-SPAN in the Classroom's campaign website

Former Fellow Comments 1. What can an applicant gain professionally from being a C-SPAN Fellow? Professionally I grew so much from interacting with employees of C-SPAN and other teacher fellows. I learned a great deal about government, teaching government, and television production, too.     Susan Foster, Rancho Bernardo High School, San Diego, CA The exposure to the state of the art information systems, meticulous education department, and professional interaction strengthened my skills as a teacher. As a result of my time with C-SPAN hundreds, no make that thousands, of children had a more dynamic learning experience.     David Debs, Jacksonville, FL Teachers have much to gain by being a C-SPAN Fellow in Washington, DC. I had been scoffing at the role of television in the classroom until I became acquainted with the multiple cable-provided C-SPAN programs. Teachers of American history and government, and now, American literature, will be able to focus deeply on books in the subject field.     Martha Dailey, Mt. Greylock Regional High School, Williamstown, MA I guess that the biggest thing that I'll take back to Binghamton is a deeper appreciation for critical viewing of news. It's really interesting to check out the priorities of mainstream news media-especially in comparison to C-SPAN.     Matthew Stoner, Binghampton High School, Binghampton, NY Although, I have used C-SPAN in the past, now I have improved my skills using C-SPAN's web resources. I have learned that by using the C-SPAN video archives I can find all kinds of information that I didn't know was available.     Carlos Ardaya, Design & Architecture High School, Miami, FL I think my overall understanding of C-SPAN's mission and work has been enhanced by this experience...and I believe I will be better able to share that understanding with my students, fellow teachers and other interested adults.     Joe Gotchy, Thomas Jefferson High School, Auburn, Washington 2. What was a personal highlight you experienced while you were in DC? Meeting John McCain was one of the many highlights of my experience at C-SPAN. Another highlight was meeting and interacting with some of C-SPAN's long time staff and learning first-hand about the mission and critical viewing.     Susan Foster, Rancho Bernardo High School, San Diego, CA I love living in this town...I have the opportunity to walk across Capitol Hill every morning on my way to work. Between the Capital, Jefferson wing of the Library of Congress and Supreme Court, there is unlimited architectural eye candy.     Joe Gotchy, Thomas Jefferson High School, Auburn, Washington I consider myself very fortunate to have been in DC and working at C-SPAN while the James Traficant Jr. case was unfolding. I followed this unique case day by day and I am still playing with my thoughts debating what is next!     Carlos Ardaya, Design and Architecture High School, Miami, FL Without hesitation I will credit the team at C-SPAN for making my time in DC personally enjoyable in every way. The friendships I made that summer have endured and are prized.     David Debs, Jacksonville, FL My fellowship was especially helpful in an election year. The C-SPAN fellows used political resources from across the nation.     Martha Dailey, Mt. Greylock Regional High School, Williamstown, MA My experience has been positive and dynamic. I get to incorporate my education background into creative, multimedia projects. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived, but the people at C-SPAN have been inspiring and supportive. They've made it easy for me.     Matthew Stoner, Binghampton High School, Binghampton, NY 3. What advice would you offer to teachers who are considering applying? If you are the type of teacher who occasionally dreams of some great new thing and making it happen gives you joy, then don't hesitate - apply today! This opportunity is for you!     David Debs, Jacksonville, FL Teachers will have an opportunity to work in the center of the political news media. Also, their students, colleagues, and administrators will all benefit from the unique experience that C-SPAN has to offer.     Matthew Stoner, Binghampton High School, Binghampton, NY Every social studies teacher in the United States should consider applying for this fellowship. After 29 years in the classroom I can say that the C-SPAN fellowship was one of the highlights of my teaching career. In turn, hundreds of thousands of students will have access to a wonderful new resource that can compliment their study of American history. Don't think about it another minute. Just apply!     Joe Gotchy, Thomas Jefferson High School, Auburn, Washington