Meet Joe Schmidt! Civics Ed Leader Named BRI’s Director of Programs
<p>A nationally prominent advocate for civics and history education has a brand new role. </p>
<p>He’ll be leading the Bill of Rights Institute’s efforts to deliver market-leading educational programming for teachers and students all across the United States. </p>
<p>Joe Schmidt, the former Social Studies Specialist for the Maine Department of Education, has been named the new Director of Programs for the Bill of Rights Institute. </p>
<p>As Director of Programs, Schmidt will oversee professional development training for middle school and high school civics and history teachers in every region of the country. </p>
<p>He will also manage the Bill of Rights Institute’s national portfolio of student programs, including the prestigious Constitutional Academy that convenes outside of Washington, DC each summer.</p>
<p>Schmidt, who began his career as a classroom teacher, has served the Maine Department of Education for the past five years and has become a leading national advocate for social studies education. </p>
<p>He serves on the Board of Directors for the National Council for the Social Studies and his book on civil discourse is slated for national release by Corwin Press next month. </p>
<p>Stan Swim, Chief Program Officer for the Bill of Rights Institute, said that Schmidt will play a crucial role in helping the Bill of Rights Institute continue to deliver best-in-class resources to America’s teachers and students. </p>
<p>“We believe that all students deserve access to a quality civics and history education,” Swim said. “Joe Schmidt’s stellar track record as an educator, mentor and advocate in this space will make him a true asset to our teachers and students as we equip them to live the ideals of a free and just society.”</p>
<p>Interested in learning more about the Bill of Rights Institute’s upcoming programs and events? <a href="https://billofrightsinstitute.arlo.co/w/upcoming/">Just check out our events calendar</a>. </p>