January 2015 Newsletter

National Academy for Civics and Government accepting applications, We the People state competitions heat up, Congress offers support for civic education, and more in this month's issue.


Summer Professional Development Opportunity for Teachers

The Center is offering a three-week NEH Summer Institute entitled Political and Constitutional Theory for Citizens: The National Academy for Civics and Government. The Institute will be held in Los Angeles July 11-August 1, 2015, and is open elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Participants will engage in serious study and discussion of basic ideas of political theory, the Constitution, and the values of American constitutional democracy. One participant said, "This has been by far the greatest professional endeavor of my career as a teacher. From now on I'll refer to my teaching as 'before the academy' and 'after the academy.'" Apply by March 2.

We the People State Finals Set Stage for National Event

We the People state competition season is in full swing! High school students across the country are showcasing their civic learning through simulated congressional hearings on topics ranging from classical republicanism to judicial review hoping to advance to the 28th Annual National Finals in Washington, D.C., this spring. The Center's network of state and district coordinators continues to work tirelessly to host these purposeful and exciting events without the support of federal funding. Congratulations to all the teachers, students, volunteers, and supporters that make the competitive program a growing success! Click here for a running list of winners and remaining state finals dates. Watch the Center's Facebook page for updates in the coming weeks.


Third Annual We the People National Invitational

Registration continues for the We the People National Invitational, held April 17-21 on the campus of George Mason University. The Invitational provides a broad range of middle and high school students the opportunity to showcase their civic learning at the national level while bringing their classroom lessons to life in touring our nation's capital. Your class can participate! Learn more | Student video | Teacher video

Lessons Plans for Black History Month and President's Day

February is Black History Month, and the Center offers free lessons for grades 6-12 that focus on the civil rights movement and the power of nonviolence. Teachers can choose from lessons on the Children's March of 1963, the costs and benefits of nonviolence, philosophical and tactical nonviolence, and Rosa Parks and the Fourteenth Amendment. Americans celebrate Presidents' Day on Monday, February 16 this year, providing educators an opportunity to teach the executive branch and the extent and limits of its power. The Center offers lessons on George Washington, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan.

This newsletter is a brief bulletin designed to keep you informed about some of the Center for Civic Education's news and events. Information presented includes news from around the country, news from other countries in the Center's Civitas International network, grant and award opportunities, and program updates and clarifications. If you have pertinent material that you would like to include in future newsletters, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..