Teacher Talk: Current Events Are a Vital Classroom Tool

By Lona Tracy

Teaching civics today is a bit of a blessing and a curse.  

In the highly divisive era we now live in, civics has become a “hot seat” for the classroom. Each day in class, we discuss current events and their impact on the government and society as a whole.  

There are days this can become highly contentious. I believe that in civics class students can learn to articulate their opinions, but also learn to listen to others who have different opinions.  

They can and do learn to respectfully agree or disagree. 

In the classroom of today, there is always a concern that parents, administration, or even the community may not agree with the topics that are discussed.  

However, current events are what is happening in today’s world, and they make government class interesting and different each day and each year. This also makes civics new and exciting.  

The lively discussion that takes place keeps students engaged and makes them consider how opinions can vary by region, and how their ideas could be very different from the people around them.  

When we begin making connections to the Constitution, laws, and treaties, the learning becomes very real. Those current events are what is actually happening now -- but how they are connected to the true Constitutional principles and laws that are the foundation of the American system of government? 

One of the great benefits of Bill of Rights Institute materials is there is a constant flow of updated content that deals with topics we are studying in the classroom based on those current events.  

BRI also provides many engaging, primary-source-based materials for topics we study as part of the standard curriculum. 

Primary resources are instrumental when teaching core principals needed in civics. Having access to materials from a reliable source makes daily life as a teacher much easier.   

Also, given the era of technology students live in, it is critical for students to learn to discern which information is true and reliable. They learn a great deal by utilizing primary documents to extrapolate information and then formulate conclusions. 

Understanding civics is one of the most important parts of students’ learning experiences in school. Students need to feel involved in the political system in a way that allows for good citizenship and understanding of fundamental principles, as well as an understanding that they live in a very diverse country.  

This education today, as in the past, promotes the understanding of democracy, the Republic, and individual rights and duties. This is important information that students need to know not just for themselves, but for posterity.  

Lona Tracy teaches at Moorcroft High School in Moorcroft, Wyoming. She has been teaching for 30 years and currently teaches history and government at the high school and social studies courses for her local community college. She is a member of the Bill of Rights Institute’s Teacher Council and relies heavily on the use of primary documents to promote her students’ learning.