Professional Learning
Empowering Educators through Civic Inquiry
We believe in Authentic learning experiences that deepen students’ understanding of history and government. Our alumni report higher levels of civic participation, including voting and community engagement.
Our professional learning emphasizes disciplinary skills and diverse perspectives, ensuring students engage meaningfully with Nevada’s history and civic culture. Through showcase events and field trips, students learn alongside peers from different backgrounds, enriching their educational experience.
Our training and curriculum support equips teachers to bring civic learning into every classroom.
Our Programs Provide
A hands-on learning experience—the program culminates in a simulated congressional hearing where students “testify” before a panel acting as members of Congress.
A platform for critical thinking and civic engagement—students demonstrate their understanding of constitutional principles while evaluating, taking, and defending positions on historical and contemporary issues.
A hands-on, interdisciplinary program—engaging middle and high school students, as well as youth organizations, in meaningful civic participation at the local and state levels.
A real-world problem-solving experience—students collaborate to identify a public policy issue, research solutions, and develop their own policy proposal.
An opportunity for civic action—students create a political action plan to advocate for their policy, present their findings at a public hearing, and often take the next step by engaging directly with public officials.
An exciting way to study history—students explore issues, ideas, people, and events that interest them while showcasing their learning through creative and original projects.
An inquiry-based learning experience that fosters student choice and voice while building essential disciplinary skills.
A powerful classroom tool—teachers use this program to teach history and other subjects (art, theater, media) while reinforcing critical thinking and analytical skills.
A foundation for active citizenship—students learn to think critically, not just about academics but also about real-world decisions they’ll face as engaged citizens.
An engaging exploration of U.S. constitutional democracy—students in elementary, middle, and high school learn history and principles through interactive strategies and relevant content.
Professional Learning Opportunities
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We the People
Transform your classroom with the acclaimed We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution curriculum. This immersive institute models how to integrate authentic civic engagement, critical thinking, and inquiry into your existing curriculum through interactive simulations and performance-based assessments.
✔️ Gain tools for constitutional literacy and civil discourse
✔️ Learn how to guide students through simulated congressional hearings
✔️ Strengthen student understanding of history, government, and public policy📚 Perfect for upper elementary, middle, and high school educators
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National History Day
Inspire student curiosity and build historical thinking skills through a yearlong professional learning cohort centered on the National History Day program. Learn how to guide students in developing compelling questions, conducting in-depth research, and presenting powerful, evidence-based arguments.
✔️ Frame inquiry-based instruction around student choice
✔️ Strengthen literacy and media literacy through project-based learning
✔️ Access scholars, mentor teachers, and curated classroom resources📚 Perfect for upper elementary, middle, and high school educators
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Project Community
Turn student curiosity into community action with The Civics Lab, a hands-on professional learning experience built around the Project Community curriculum. Learn how to guide students as they investigate local issues, craft policy solutions, and lead real civic change.
✔️ Explore strategies for student-led research and civic action
✔️ Integrate interdisciplinary, project-based learning into your classroom
✔️ Build community partnerships and promote authentic civic engagement📚 Perfect for upper elementary, middle, and high school educators
Professional Learning Presentation Materials
Other Ways to Support Inquiry-Based Learning
Ask the Expert
Engage in Civil Discourse through a virtual field trip with experts and artifacts in History and Civics. Increase your own content knowledge or support your We the People, Project Citizen, or History Day Project with our monthly online series.
KidsVention & Student Mock Election
The Voices in Voting KidsVention is a mini-political convention (nonpartisan) and features four debates of interest to students. Four Nevada elected officials are invited to debate against four high school debate students on topics of interest to students. KidsVention also highlights patriotic music performed by middle and high school choirs.
The Student Mock Election is a collaboration between the NV Secretary of State’s Office and our organization to offer lessons, resources, and the voting experience for K-12 students.
KidsVention & the Student Mock Election is offered to students across the state of Nevada.
Work with We the People judges, coaches, and teachers to prepare for the Nevada District Invitational. Students will have opportunities to engage with a We the People Judges panel and learn more about presentation skills and how to break down the hearing questions. Students will also be invited to work with We the People Coaches in their own unit.