Workshop "Exploring Place Names as Forms of Social and Geographic Storytelling"

 

What’s in a Name? A Toponymic Journey with the Tennessee Geographic Alliance

Place names are more than geographic labels - they are powerful vessels of history, identity, and cultural memory. The Tennessee Geographic Alliance (TGA) is bringing this idea to the forefront with its upcoming workshop titled "What’s in a Name? Exploring Place Names as Forms of Social and Geographic Storytelling", scheduled to take place on October 6–7, 2025 at the East Tennessee Historical Society in Knoxville.

A Workshop Rooted in Storytelling and Geographic Literacy

Supported by the Library of Congress through the “Teaching with Primary Sources Southern Regional Partner” initiative, this workshop aims to enrich both teacher pedagogy and student learning by highlighting the geographical, social, and political dimensions embedded in place names.

Participants—15 carefully selected secondary school teachers from across Tennessee - will:

• Enhance their geographic literacy, delving into the core concepts of location, place, movement, human-environment interaction, and region.

• Work hands-on with primary sources, learning how to incorporate historical maps, documents, and multimedia into their classrooms.

• Explore innovative pedagogy, collaborating on interactive projects that marry geography with storytelling.

Who’s Invited and What’s Offered

The TGA plans to select:

• One teacher from each of Tennessee’s 9 Congressional Districts

• One additional teacher from each Grand Division (West, Middle, East)

• Three teachers from the Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area

To ensure statewide representation and reduce duplication, participant selection will prioritize geographic diversity, but open slots may be filled based on merit.

Teachers will be valued and supported:

• A $600 stipend will be provided upon completion of the workshop (IRS-reporting threshold)

• Hotel, meals, and mileage reimbursements will be covered for those traveling over 50 miles

• Lunch provided daily during the sessions

Before and After: What’s Expected

Pre-workshop:

• Watch a recorded Library of Congress orientation

• Complete and certify two online modules: one on primary source analysis, another on using multiple sources

Post-workshop:

• Create an Esri Story Map centered on a toponym - either preserving or contesting a place name

• Integrate primary sources, reflect multiple perspectives, and engage with civic sensitivity

Why This Matters

This workshop is more than professional development - it's an opportunity for educators to reflect on how names shape our understanding of place and power. Through digital storytelling, historical inquiry, and place-based pedagogy, the TGA is empowering teachers to help students see the world in more meaningful ways.

Get Involved

Applications are now open. If you’re a Tennessee teacher passionate about geography, identity, and storytelling, this is your chance to be part of something transformative.

Learn more and apply at
🌐 tngeographicalliance.org
📧 tngeogalliance@gmail.com
📘 Facebook
🐦 Twitter: @tngeogalliance