National Academy

For a number of years, Civitas International Programs has sponsored the participation of international educators in the Center’s National Academy, a three-week professional development program on political and constitutional theory and applications. During the academy, participants discuss the challenges and opportunities in teaching political theory and exchange best practices in active learning. Through their participation, international delegates enhance their understanding of and appreciation for American constitutional principles through the study of major works of political theory, while giving American educators insight into democratic and educational systems abroad.

International participants are selected for their demonstrated leadership in the development and implementation of education for democracy programs and commitment to applying knowledge and skills learned during the institute to strengthen their in-country programs. As a result of their participation, International National Academy alumni have: 1) contributed to the adaptation of constitutional programs for youth inspired by the Center’s We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and India, 2) advocated for educational policies in support of active civic learning in Ghana, Mexico, Morocco, and Pakistan, and 3) organized teacher institutes modeled after the National Academy in Malawi.