Civic Agency and The Pursuit of Democracy: Teaching Civics through History

Facing History & Ourselves believes that history is essential to civic education because it illuminates key aspects of democracy that are missing when the functions of government are taught in the abstract. This seminar will model our history-based approach to civic education and provide materials to support teachers to integrate our 3-week Unit, “The Reconstruction Era.” 

In this seminar educators will explore the gaps between the ideals of America’s founding and the lived realities of injustice and systemic bias faced by freedpeople following Reconstruction, the seminar will also draw connections between the legacies of Reconstruction and issues facing our nation today. By exploring the issues, dilemmas, and controversies that shape civic life today students are empowered to make informed and meaningful choices as citizens.

Participants will also explore resources to facilitate a civic action project where students can apply what they learned about societal change during the Reconstruction era and examples of young people today making changes on issues they care about in their own communities. This project helps teachers foster authentic motivation for their students and help students develop the knowledge, skills, and capacities for informed and ethical participation and reflection.

The seminar is designed for educators who are preparing students for the New York Seal of Civic Readiness; however, any 6-12 educator who wants to teach civics through history or teach Reconstruction will find this to be a valuable professional learning experience. 

In this workshop you will:

• Experience Facing History’s approach to teaching civics
• Investigate the history of the Reconstruction Era as a case study
• Engage with strategies and materials designed to bring current events into the classroom
• Explore resources that support students to engage in a civic action project

We will provide classroom-ready resources, including:

• Access to the 3-week Unit: The Reconstruction Era
• A free copy of Civic Agency and The Pursuit of Democracy
• A free copy of My Part of the Story

Access to Facing History’s US History and Online Current Events Resource Collections

Cost: There is a non-refundable $25 registration fee due once your application has been accepted. The $350 fee for this seminar has been waived thanks to generous funding from Facing History & Ourselves donors and partner organizations.

This event will be hosted in-person at The Allen-Stevenson School.
Address: 132 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075