Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Middle School teacher Berent LaBrecque was among just 90 educators nationwide selected to participate in the 2026 Library of Congress Summer Teacher Institute in Washington, D.C.

Selected from a pool of nearly 200 applicants, Mr. LaBrecque spent three days working alongside Library of Congress education specialists and subject-matter experts, exploring innovative ways to use primary sources to engage students and strengthen critical-thinking skills. Participants also had the opportunity to explore the Library’s extensive collection of digitized historical artifacts and documents.

The Summer Teacher Institute is the Library of Congress’ cornerstone professional learning program for educators and is designed to give participants practical strategies they can bring back to their classrooms and share with colleagues.

For Mr. LaBrecque, the experience offered ideas that extend well beyond the study of history.

“This program helped me have a better understanding of ways to engage students that are applicable beyond the History classroom,” Mr. LaBrecque said. “I can’t wait to use what I learned in class with my students and share what I learned with my colleagues!”

Mr. LaBrecque’s participation brings those resources and strategies back to The 805, where they can benefit not only his Middle School students but fellow HIES educators as well.