News from the Center for Civic Education
Center Launches the Civics SmartBrief, Christopher R. Riano to Give Webinar on Civic Engagement, We the People Teacher Wins PBS Teaching Award, and More in This Month's Newsletter.
Center for Civic Education Launches the Civics SmartBrief
As our nationwide community knows, the Center for Civic Education is dedicated to ensuring that a civic and constitutional education is available to all. We are committed to providing the public with the tools and resources they need to be informed and effective members of our communities, which requires being knowledgeable about current events within our space.
That's why we've partnered with SmartBrief to produce the twice-weekly Civics SmartBrief newsletter, the first of its kind in the nation. On each Tuesday and Thursday, our subscribers will receive carefully curated articles about topics that will help fulfill our mission, expand our reach, and keep our supporters informed.
Sign up now for the Civics SmartBrief to stay up to date about important legislation and court cases, innovative teaching techniques, the state of civics, teaching with technology, and news from the Center.
Supreme Court Webinar to Review Current Term with Two Federal Judges
Join the Center for Civic Education, James Madison's Montpelier, and the First Amendment Museum on Tuesday, October 26, at 7 p.m. ET for the final webinar of the Five Freedoms series. This capstone event will be a panel discussion to review the Supreme Court 2021-2022 term with Senior Judge Marcia S. Krieger, former Chief Judge for the Federal District Court of Colorado, and Chief Judge Brooks Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The judges will review several First Amendment cases before the Court this term. Sign up today!
Join Center President Christopher R. Riano for a Conversation on Civic Engagement
On Friday, October 22, Center President Christopher R. Riano will discuss ways to promote civic education and engagement on college campuses and in local communities during a special American Political Science Association Civic Engagement Section webinar. The APSA is the leading professional organization for the study of political science and serves more than 11,000 members in more than 100 countries.
Milton Hyams Wins 2021 PBS Reno Extraordinary Educator Award
Social Studies Department Leader and Incline High School teacher Milton Hyams recently won the 2021 PBS Reno Extraordinary Educator Award! Hyams was nominated and chosen for this special award by the community for his work and service.
During his acceptance speech, Hyams shared his belief that "it is our duty as an educational community to prepare every generation for the rigor and duties of citizenship." He also recognized the Center for providing "a framework and a vehicle to develop thoughtful, critical, and engaged citizens" over the last 25 years.
Watch his spotlight video to learn more about his contributions to his school community, his students, and to civic education with the Center's We the People program.
We the People Teacher Natalie O'Brien Recognized by RI State Representative Newberry During Civic Education Bill-Signing Ceremony
In a speech given during the civic education bill-signing ceremony, Rhode Island State Representative Brian Newberry recognized North Smithfield High School teacher Natalie O'Brien.
In his remarks, Newberry stated that the school's civic education program is "driven through the vision of Natalie O'Brien and those teachers who have assisted her over the years" to ensure that the school has a strong civic education program, including a well-established track record at the state and national We the People competitions.
In addition to her many other accomplishments, O'Brien was the North Smithfield Teacher of the Year in 2020.
Student Leaders Spearhead History and Civics Projects
Diverse high-need students participating in the Center's 2021 Congressional Academy for American History and Civics are designing unique history and civics projects to share what they have learned with students and educators in their schools. Their academic-year projects include starting new school-wide civics and leadership clubs, developing a website focused on Gen Z civic engagement, organizing a mock Supreme Court hearing, arranging an online meeting between student rights pioneer John Tinker and 11th- and 12th-grade students, a variety of National History Day projects, and coaching students involved in the We the People program.
Quick Quiz! Which American Founder famously ordered Joseph Addison's play "Cato" to be performed at Valley Forge?
A. George Washington
B. James Madison
C. Thomas Jefferson
D. Alexander Hamilton
Read on to learn the answer!
Civic Education Teaching Resources Available from the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Did you know the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center offers teaching resources for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms? These curriculum-based learning opportunities bring the rich history of the U.S. government right to the classroom with videos, activities, and other e-learning programs! Teachers focusing on the U.S. Constitution can explore options available here.
In addition to these self-guided options, teachers can also schedule a Zoom program with the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center staff covering such topics as the basics of the Constitution, the debates surrounding the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and general information about the U.S. Capitol.
Explore the available programs here.
Quiz Answer!
A. George Washington (see episode 4443)
For more quizzes and learning opportunities, check out the 60-Second Civics podcast and daily civics quiz!
