In 2012 U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe from Maine delivered this farewell speech, expressing hope that the Senate could overcome “excessive political polarization” and work together to reach consensus on important national issues.  In a short video from this week’s MAKERS Monday: For the Leaders of Tomorrow, Snowe discusses her political career and a time when government leaders worked together for the country’s good rather than apart because of party partisanship.  Her message includes her ultimate departure from Congress in order to better address political divisiveness and gridlock.

This time of heavy political coverage offers teachable moments for students with PBS resources

such as those on “partisan politics” at PBS LearningMedia.  At the same site you’ll find ELECTION CENTRAL:  AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO THE US ELECTIONS.

Women, Power and Politics: NOW‘s Maria Hinojosa talks to women leaders around the world and here in the U.S. for an intimate look at the high-stakes risks, triumphs, and setbacks for women leaders of today and tomorrow.

And at MAKERS: The largest video collection of women’s stories, you can view the profile of Olympia Snowe.