The US turns 250 years old this year. Oregon teachers share what the anniversary means for the classroom

Think Out Loud

The US turns 250 years old this year. Oregon teachers share what the anniversary means for the classroom

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Published on May 29, 2026, 12:26:37 PM
Total time: 00:22:41

Episode Description

his year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Specifically, it is when the Continental Congress, the provisional governing body of the 13 colonies, adopted the Declaration of Independence.

 

It goes without saying that much has changed since then. But what would our founding fathers think of our society today? How should history, both past events and current, be taught in classrooms? To answer these questions more we’re joined by two Oregon history teachers. Jacqueline Pope-Brothers teaches U.S. government, AP Government and constitutional law at Sprague High School in Salem. Maurice Cowley teaches English and AP African American Studies at McDaniel High School in Portland.

 

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