Special Event
Sphere on the Road: Toledo, OH
The Civility Imperative: Reviving Respect, Reason, and the Foundations of Civic Culture
Join us as we explore contemporary challenges to free speech and engage students in civil discourse on our most pressing issues.
Event Details
Date and Time
Location
Delta Hotels by Marriott 3100 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614
Program
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Plenary Address: Building Trust in a Polarized School Environment
Bridging Divides and Speaking Across Differences
Break for Refreshments
Workshop Session: Civil Discourse Pedagogy
Lunch Provided
Breakout Session A: Concurrent Workshop Sessions
Breakout Session B: Concurrent Workshop Sessions
Closing Remarks
Distribution of Professional Development Certificates and Stipends
Sphere Education Initiatives and the University of Toledo’s Institute for American Constitutional Thought and Leadership are pleased to present this special one‐day professional learning event, The Civility Imperative: Reviving Respect, Reason, and the Foundations of Civic Culture, in Toledo, Ohio, on October 4, 2025.
Join educators from around the region as we explore contemporary challenges to free speech and civil discourse in the classroom and address strategies for engaging students on complex issues and topics. This hands‐on, application‐focused professional development will include expert presentations and breakout sessions that provide knowledge, tools, and strategies to address pressing issues. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with speakers and colleagues from the region and beyond.
The Summit will feature a keynote presentation by Kevin Vallier, professor of philosophy at the University of Toledo. Programming will include pedagogical instruction on the fundamentals of civil discourse and key strategies for building sustained practice. We’ll pair those experiences with immersive discussions and engaging breakout workshops designed to equip attendees with valuable tools, tips, and tricks for fostering and managing complex conversations.
Benefits
Designed for high school teachers and administrators, this event offers the following benefits:
- 6 hours of in‐person professional development
- Free classroom resources and books
- Lunch provided
- $150 stipend and certificate of completion
Event registration requires a $20 fee, which will be fully refunded in addition to your stipend after completion of the event. Registration includes all meals, books, classroom materials, a stipend, and professional development hours.
Program
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Plenary Address: Building Trust in a Polarized School Environment
Bridging Divides and Speaking Across Differences
Break for Refreshments
Workshop Session: Civil Discourse Pedagogy
Lunch Provided
Breakout Session A: Concurrent Workshop Sessions
Breakout Session B: Concurrent Workshop Sessions
Closing Remarks
Distribution of Professional Development Certificates and Stipends