Driven 2 Teach, the immersive educational expedition program funded in part by the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation and Zions Bank, has completed its 18th successful year—bringing more than 60 teachers on three powerful, place-based learning experiences, including a newly introduced expedition focused on Utah’s own history.
This summer, participating educators traveled to historic sites across the United States to deepen their understanding of key moments in American history. Expeditions included:
The American West, which featured a river journey retracing Lewis and Clark’s portage around the Great Falls of the Missouri River, Founding People and Principles, a deep dive into the American Revolution through on-site visits in Boston and Philadelphia, and Utah’s People and Places, a new expedition exploring the diverse cultures, landscapes, and historical milestones of Utah.
“This year’s participants were able to explore sides of history they may not have delved into before,” said Tiffany Sandy, director of Driven 2 Teach. “Our goal is to bring teachers to the heart of history so they can return and bring its heartbeats to life in their classrooms.”
Founded in 2007 by Larry and Gail Miller, Driven 2 Teach was created with the vision of helping educators make history come alive for their students. Over nearly two decades, the program has taken hundreds of teachers to historically significant locations across the country, providing real-world context and renewed inspiration for classroom instruction.
“Teachers shape the future every day, and we are honored to support experiences that deepen their passion and expertise,” said Brilliant Miller, trustee of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. “Driven 2 Teach gives educators a chance to become better acquainted with the grounds where history happened-and that firsthand experience is transformational for both their teaching and their students’ learning.”
Driven 2 Teach is made possible through the generous support of partners like Zions Bank, which has played a key role in expanding access to these immersive field study experiences throughout the program’s history.
“Zions Bank’s support of the Driven 2 Teach program is part of our ongoing investment in education and Utah’s teachers through donations and classroom outreach,” said Zions Bank President and CEO Paul Burdiss. “With more than 150 years of history behind us, we understand that learning from the past is vital to informing our future success.”
Participants in the Driven 2 Teach field studies are eligible to receive college credit from Weber State University, learn directly from historians and experts at the sites they visit, and develop lesson plans designed to bring history to life for their students. Teachers are expected to integrate what they learn into their classroom curriculum.
“Participating in Driven 2 Teach was an extraordinary experience,” said participant Lauren Nielsen. “The materials and lectures were incredibly valuable, but actually standing on the very ground where history happened gave me a deeper understanding and emotional connection. I now have a stronger frame of reference—and a renewed passion—that I can share with my students.”
To learn more about Driven 2 Teach visit: https://www.driven2teach.org/
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About Driven 2 Teach
The Driven 2 Teach program takes teachers out of the classroom and to the very places where history happened – they travel there so they can teach it here. Those experiences then elevate and enhance history for their students.
The goal of Driven 2 Teach is to make American history come alive in the classroom by taking Utah public school teachers to important historical sites. The hands-on seminars are designed to inform, inspire, and support excellent classroom teaching.
About Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation was established in 2007 to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and skill development, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment. Read the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation’s 2024 Impact Report here: https://joom.ag/rUjd
About Zions Bank
Zions Bank is Utah’s oldest financial institution and is the only local bank with a statewide distribution of branches operating 95 full-service branches. Zions Bank also operates 26 branches in Idaho and Wyoming. In addition to offering a wide range of traditional banking services, Zions Bank is also a leader in small business lending. Founded in 1873, Zions Bank has been serving the communities of Utah for more than 150 years. Additional information is available at www.zionsbank.com. Zions Bank is a division of Zions Bancorporation N.A., Member FDIC.