News from the Center for Civic Education
Read How You Can Help Support Civic Education, Apply to Join Us as Director of Development, New Educating for American Democracy Roadmap Available, and More in This Month's Newsletter.
You Can Help Support Lifechanging Civics Programs and Educators
In far too many schools across our nation, civic education is under-resourced, under-utilized, or cut out entirely. It is a tremendous loss for our children and our country.
But educators across the country, including Patience LeBlanc, featured above, are stepping up to make a difference. "Those who participated in the program had a deep understanding of the Constitution versus those who had not participated in the program," said LeBlanc. "It was far better than anything that had been taught previously."
We can bring the principles of informed citizenship and the fundamental principles of the Constitution to every student in a way that opens their hearts and minds. This is the mission of the Center for Civic Education.
To achieve our mission, we ask that you please give now, as generously as you can. Together, we can create a stronger civil society. We can't do this vital work without you. Thank you!
We're Hiring! Apply for Our Director of Development Position by December 1
We're hiring! The Center for Civic Education is now seeking a Director of Development to support our ambitious strategic vision to advance the entire civic and constitutional education field.
Reporting to the Vice President & Chief of Staff, the Director of Development will coordinate fundraising efforts for the Center as it continues to grow. As a new position in the organization, the director will have the opportunity to build the Center's development function and build on our existing strategy.
For consideration, please send a cover letter and resume to Mia Nagawiecki, Vice President & Chief of Staff, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by December 1, 2021. Please reference the job title in the subject line.
Educators: Join Georgetown's Digital Media Survey!
Would you like to participate in a national survey of digital technology in the classroom? Fill out a 10-minute form, and you will be eligible for a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift certificate! Your responses will expand our understanding of how digital tools are used in civics classrooms today. Take Georgetown University's survey here.
Educating for American Democracy Crosswalk Available for We the People
The Center for Civic Education is pleased to offer educators an Educating for American Democracy (EAD) Roadmap crosswalk and pedagogy companion aligned to the Level 3 (high school) edition of We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution.
The EAD Roadmap is an inquiry-based content framework for excellence in civic and history education for all learners that is organized by major themes and questions and supported by key concepts. The Center's crosswalk aligns We the People units, lessons, and other Center resources to the EAD's major civic and history themes, driving questions, and design challenges.
We the People Event Relaunches Alumni Network
Roosevelt Montás was the keynote speaker at the We the People Alumni Network's kickoff event on November 6. Montás is a senior lecturer in American Studies and English at Columbia University and the author of Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation. Alumni met in breakout rooms after Montás's address to introduce themselves and provide their feedback on the future direction of the alumni network. Another event is planned for February. We the People alumni can sign up for the alumni network to keep up to date about the latest happenings and express their interest in volunteering.
Student Leaders Spearhead History and Civics Projects
We the People educators are making news across the country! Below we highlight two stories out of New Hampshire and Nevada.
Retired social studies educator David Alcox was recently featured in an article from the New Hampshire Bar Association celebrating his dedication to shaping better citizens. Alcox taught We the People for 23 years.
"I'm shocked more districts aren't doing programs like [We the People], especially in today's day and age where we have such a dichotomy of ideas," said Alcox. "These types of programs teach people they can have a respectful political dialogue without believing someone always has to win or lose." You can read more of this story here.
Another media source, Thursday Night Lights, highlighted the Canyon Springs High School We the People program, which is entering its 15th year. In the video, We the People students and educator Lou Grillo share their experiences with the program, including the value it has shown for them in terms of not only civic knowledge but also for supporting communication, teamwork, time management, and more.
"Whatever school you're in, you should ask them to initiate a We the People program. It's been one of the most rewarding things," Grillo said, adding that "the kids have said this is the greatest experience they've had in high school."
Local Indiana Schools Celebrate 7th Annual We the People "Mudsock" Competition
While we all know the impact of the We the People competitions, fewer have heard of the "Mudsock" event held annually in Fishers, Indiana. This uniquely named competition, created seven years ago by coaches Janet Chandelier and Liz Paternoster, occurs between the Fishers High School and Hamilton Southeastern High School We the People teams.
"We take this opportunity to recruit community leaders as judges to help familiarize them with the We the People program," said Chandler, adding that the experience also "helps both teams to tune-up before the regional." The healthy competition between schools models that of other athletic Mudsock competitions held in the area.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition has been held virtually for the last two years. The 2021 Mudsock competition took place on October 28, marking the seventh successful year of this event, with Fishers High School taking home the traveling Mudsock trophy.
Five Freedoms Series Available On-Demand
The Five Freedoms series, co-hosted by the Center, James Madison's Montpelier, and the First Amendment Museum, is now available for viewing on demand.
The Five Freedoms Series aimed to help Americans better understand the freedoms guaranteed to them under the First Amendment and encouraged them to exercise these rights. Each installment of the six-week series focused on a different element of the First Amendment: speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. The sixth week culminated in a panel of federal judges discussing cases on the docket in the 2021-2022 Supreme Court term. The series was a great success, and we are proud to share these resources with educators and beyond!
Brighton High School Students Impact Local Policy
Students from Brighton High School in Colorado successfully presented their Project Citizen public policy proposal to the local city council on November 16. After weeks of research and preparation, the students introduced their policy to install a new flashing crosswalk sign by the high school to make crossing the street safer for students and the community. The council immediately agreed to the proposal, and the students met with the city director of infrastructure to begin selecting the sign for installation.
Quick Quiz! What is another name for the Age of Enlightenment?
A. The Age of Reason
B. The Age of Thought
C. The Age of Humanity
D. The Age of Intelligence
Read on to learn the answer!
Application for Street Law's 2022 Supreme Court Summer Institute Now Available
The application for Street Law's 2022 Supreme Court Summer Institute is now available online! The Supreme Court Summer Institute, co-sponsored by the Supreme Court Historical Society, provides teachers with a valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn new methods for teaching about the Supreme Court of the United States.
During the institute, participants will
- spend six days with high-caliber instructors and expert resource people who lead in their respective fields;
- visit the Supreme Court to hear decisions and attend a private reception (circumstances permitting);
- engage in a thorough study of six Supreme Court cases; and
- participate in sessions on the certiorari process, judicial nominations, interest groups, the media, constitutional interpretation, and a moot court.
Educators can find information on the Street Law website about logistics and eligibility requirements. Application and administrator reference forms are due by March 1, 2022.
Shop to Support the Center for Civic Education
Shopping on Amazon? Use this link to benefit We the People and the Center's other civic education programs. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Center for Civic Education. You pay the same price for your purchases, but you have the satisfaction of knowing you've helped students receive the high-quality civic education they deserve. Bookmark the link and keep giving all year with every purchase. AmazonSmile
Quiz Answer!
A. The Age of Reason (see episode 4466)
For more quizzes and learning opportunities, check out the 60-Second Civics podcast and daily civics quiz!
