Professional Learning for Educators

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.

  • 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.

Our Programs Provide

  • 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

  • Flyer for "We the People: The Citizen & The Constitution Summer Institute" featuring a panel discussion photo, program details, benefits like increased knowledge and civic engagement, and application information for the event in Reno, NV, July 21-25.

    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

  • Flyer for the Spark Curiosity initiative, inviting applications for the National History Day Professional Learning Community in Nevada. Features a photo of a student with a history project display, and details various workshops and conferences. Provides contact information for applications and inquiries.

    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

  • Logo for Project Community featuring a handshake, text "creating change in your community," "informed civic engagement," and "a Center for Civic Education program." Includes an emblem of Lady Justice.

    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

NCSS logo with blue globe design, text reads: 'National Council for the Social Studies'.

Other Ways to Support Inquiry-Based Learning

Logo featuring two speech bubbles, one teal and one yellow, above the text 'Ask the Expert.' Subtext reads 'a monthly interactive learning experience.'

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.

"Voices in Voting Kidsvention" logo with two illustrated figures at podiums and the text "engaging and interactive civil discourse" on a green background.

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. 

Logo for College & Career Skills Student Bootcamp with icons of a clock, laptop, person, and document.

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.

Student Bootcamp