“We the People” begins in the classroom
Join educators from across the region as we gather in the spirit of Constitution Day to explore the enduring relevance of America’s Founding documents in today’s classrooms. This interdisciplinary, hands‐on professional learning experience connects the principles of the American Founding to the contemporary challenges educators face every day. Sphere Education Initiatives and the Upshur Institute for Civic Education at Eastern Michigan University have teamed up to provide this unique summit for middle and high school educators and academic leaders.
More than two centuries after it was ratified, the United States Constitution remains one of the most contested, misunderstood, and consequential documents in modern history. Its spirit of liberty and good government is embodied by core democratic foundations, such as freedom of speech, equal protection, and the separation of powers, which are not mere relics of the past but the focus of discussion, disagreement, and division today.
Polarization has chilled speech in America’s classrooms, and we are narrowing our horizons precisely when we ought to be expanding them. The same polarization that has fractured our broader civic culture often leaves teachers caught between their desire to educate and the fear of controversy. The result is often silence or, worse, a kind of civic illiteracy that leaves students without the tools to participate meaningfully in democratic life. This application‐focused program will equip you with knowledge, tools, and strategies to foster civil discourse, navigate complex conversations, and build a sustained practice of civic engagement in your classroom, all within the context of America’s 250th anniversary and Constitution Day.
This summit is for educators ready to bring the words of the Constitution to life and inspire students to explore their meaning with curiosity and critical thinking.
Designed for middle and high school teachers and administrators, this event offers the following benefits:
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 to be announced.
