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Pennsylvania Summit Shows Power of Community in Civics Ed

by Bill of Rights Institute on

Educating future generations of informed, engaged citizens takes a community. 

The power of these learning communities was on display on October 23 during the American Civics Education and Literacy Initiative Civics Education Summit, hosted by the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ). 

The summit was a unique partnership among the university, the Bill of Rights Institute, the Greater Johnstown School Districts, and local newspaper The Tribune-Democrat.

More than 70 local teachers gathered for a day of professional development that included instructional strategies for elementary through high-school grades. 

UPJ education professor and event host Dr. Mark Conlon kicked off the summit, and attendees also heard opening remarks from United States Court of Appeals Judge Marjorie O. Rendell, UPJ President Dr. Jem Spectar, and BRI’s Sr. Director of Civic Learning Initiatives Rachel Davison Humphries. 

Spectar reminded teachers of their vital role in creating strong, civic-minded communities and strengthening American democracy. 

“What makes ‘we the people’ powerful, informed, and engaged is you,” Spectar told the assembled teachers. 

Teachers attended breakout sessions that covered everything from using images and graphics in K-6 classrooms to running student-led Congressional simulations. 

BRI Director of Teacher & Student Programs Joe Schmidt led teachers through an activity on how to structure civil discourse around difficult classroom conversations, and Humphries introduced teachers to MyImpact Challenge, BRI’s national civic engagement contest. 

Joe Schmidt of the Bill of Rights Institute leads a session on civil discourse strategy.

The event closed with remarks from UPJ’s Chair of Education Division Dr. Charline Rowland, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting local civics education and educators. 

The summit was a powerful reminder of the importance of connecting university scholars with classroom teachers for professional development. 

BRI regularly taps leading civics and history scholars to lead professional development sessions, review curricula, and participate in educational videos. 

The scholar-to-teacher pipeline helps teachers gain access to the latest academic research, while allowing scholars to get feedback from real educators in the field. 

“Civics education strengthens communities, and we all have a vested interest in ensuring students have the knowledge and skills they need to lead flourish as Americans,” said BRI’s Rachel Davison Humphries. “It is exciting to see institutions like the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown dedicating new resources to nurturing civics learning communities that will help our young people thrive.”