Brunswick social studies teacher selected for Supreme Court summer institute

BRUNSWICK — A Brunswick High School social studies teacher will spend a week in Washington, D.C., this summer learning more about the inner workings of the United States Supreme Court. Mark Belkofer is one of 60 teachers nationwide who will take part in this year's Supreme Court Summer Institute. He spoke about what his experience will be like at a Brunswick Board of Education meeting on Monday. Street Law and the Supreme Court Historical Society sponsor the institute. He said over the course of six days in June, he will meet Supreme Court judicial clerks and members of the executive branch. "We'll actually be down there when they announce the decisions in June," Belkofer said. "We'll be at the Supreme Court seeing those decisions as they're happening." The program also involves visiting Georgetown Law and learning about five current Supreme Court cases, he said. "We're going to learn about the process and how to actually present those, prepare them and do mock trials in our class," Belkofer said. Belkofer teaches college credit plus government, senior seminar and AP U.S. history, all of which involve the Supreme Court as part of the curriculum, he said. Many of his students are interested in pursuing law as a profession, and the institute is a way for him to learn more about the subject. "In my content area, things are constantly evolving and changing, which requires me to keep up in so many different capacities and different ways," Belkofer said. "We try to infuse discussion into our classes, so I need to be confident and prepared in those things." He was also drawn to the program because he considers himself to be a lifelong learner. "I don't believe that learning stops at any time throughout life," Belkofer said. "I think that process is so important because if you're not learning, you're just kind of stagnant, and I don't ever want to be stagnant." Board of Education President Mary Weinhauer said Brunswick is fortunate to have educators like Belkofer who want to provide more for students. "Mark epitomizes dedication and passion and is an example of the teaching profession's highest ideals," Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer said. "His selection for this opportunity showcases his individual excellence and represents our collective commitment to fostering academic rigor and deepening our students' understanding of democratic and judicial principles." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.