Two Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools teachers have
been serving as interns with Rep. Virginia Foxx.
Kristen Crews teaches advanced placement U.S. History and
American History at Reagan High School. Douglas Smith teaches at East Forsyth
High School.
Crews and Smith are the two 10th annual “Teacher in
Congress” internship winners sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx, (R) 5th District.
“This program will provide Kristen and Douglas with a
tangible way to give students a look inside the federal government,” Foxx said.
“Their week in Washington will equip them to teach in new ways about our roles
in a republic and hopefully inspire the next generation of North Carolina
public servants with a vibrant civics education.”
They spent a week of “intensive learning, curriculum
development activities and hands-on experience in America’s federal
government.”
“Most of the
week we spent shadowing Congresswoman Foxx,” Crews said. "It was the last week
before Congress' big recess so there were a lot of votes on different appropriations
amendments among other things.
“We had the
opportunity to watch her debate on the House floor from the gallery. We sat in
on a Rules Committee meeting as well as an Oversight and Government Reform
meeting. We went to a Bi-partisan Education round table meeting with five other
Congressmen and their staff.
“It was
refreshing to see Republicans and Democrats sit down and be respectful and work
together towards a common goal. We do not see enough of those moments in the
media. We also had the opportunity to have private tours of the Capital
building and the Library of Congress with Rep. Foxx.
“She was so
generous with her time and was constantly pausing with her busy schedule to
answer our questions or show us interesting things. I was impressed with the
Congresswoman's work ethic and dedication to her constituents. She is extremely
respected by other members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats.
“She seemed to
know the name of every Capitol Hill police officer when we went through the
various security checks. I think that says a lot about her character, and those
were the moments that I was the most proud to call her my Representative.
“The Teacher in
Congress internship was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the
legislative process works and I know I will use countless eye witness examples
from my experience in my classroom for years to come."
Crews also serves as the assistant volleyball coach and the
sponsor of the school’s Debate Club and N.C. YMCA Youth and Government
delegation. She is a graduate of Meredith College and earned a master’s degree
from Salem College.
The “Teacher in Congress” internship was created to offer
educators a glimpse of the workings of Congress and the federal government
while experiencing the day-to-day life of a member of Congress. By supplying
teachers with hands-on opportunities, the internship will help local schools
enhance their civics and history curriculum
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