This session aims to empower educators to serve as powerful advocates for K-12 civics education at the local, state, and federal level. We'll review the current policy landscape, explore educators' role in policy making, develop action plans and tools for civics advocacy, and put it all to use when we meet directly with legislators and …

Policy and Advocacy Workshop: Educators as Civics Ed Advocates Part 1 Read More »

Students have access to more information than ever before, but separating fact from fiction has never been more difficult. Historical thinking skills can empower students to analyze the (mis)information they encounter online. We’ll use a variety of PBS resources and media to sharpen students’ media literacy skills, including research, fact-checking, identifying bias, and finding reliable …

Historical Thinking Skills for the Social Media Age Read More »

Engage in a train-the-trainer session to deepen learning about how juries work and why they are so integral to our overall judicial system. This session will entail an overview of what juries are, why they exist, and how everyday Americans can participate in the judicial process through jury duty. This session will be led by …

Jury Education and Teaching the Judicial System Read More »

Dive into U.S. housing challenges with Sphere and The Foundation For Economic Education. Learn strategies to engage students in examining zoning policies, supply and demand, market competition, incentives, costs and benefits, mortgages, and more. Strategies include a graphic novel, interactive maps, tools, and a choice board. Connect to economics standards and support students in considering …

Real-World Economics: Teaching America’s Housing Crisis Through a Policy Lens Read More »

While Act 31 provides a mandate for educators to teach about the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of Native Nations in Wisconsin, acting on this requirement can feel challenging without context or support. Join us as we unpack, unlearn, and relearn together, and explore resources for not just including, but centering Indigenous voices, perspectives, and …

Acting on Wisconsin Act 31: Centering Indigenous Voices, Perspectives, and Stories Read More »

Join the educators and community members from around the state to make the case that strengthening civic education should be a priority in Wisconsin. Click here to register (lunch provided)

Explore teaching the impact of the Civil Rights Movement’s milestones and their influence on social dynamics and justice efforts. Leave with resources to foster meaningful civil discourse and critical thinking on historical reform and current challenges, like the role of AI in perpetuating biases. Empower students to connect the fight for civil rights to better …

Elevating Civil Rights Movement Voices from Past to Present Read More »

Civil discourse is a core skill to support civic engagement and democratic decision making. It also helps create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas, and can productively navigate disagreement. We will dig into how to define civil discourse, and how teachers in all subject areas and grade levels can teach the …

Teaching Civil Discourse: building skills and attitudes for civility Read More »

The Wisconsin Civics Games, sponsored by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation beginning in 2018, is a competition that promotes civics education as well as civic and civil engagement among teams of high school students. This session will feature an opportunity to learn more about the 2025 Games, including the Editorial Writing and Editorial Cartoon contest. …

INSIDE THE 2025 WISCONSIN CIVICS GAMES Read More »