Win a Curated Set of America 250-Inspired Books During Teacher Appreciation Week

Each day in the classroom, educators build the future by nurturing constitutional knowledge. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we honor the vital role teachers play in bringing our founding principles to life. And because teaching the ideals of our democracy is important, hard work—and we want to fill your cup while you do it.

To say thank you—and to help you feel inspired and ready to teach about the 250th anniversary in 2026—we’re giving away five curated sets of America 250-inspired books by renowned scholars during Teacher Appreciation Week.

The set of books provides a deeper lens into the foundation of our country and serves as a rich resource for building your content knowledge and thinking about how you might inspire classroom conversations leading up to 2026. These scholars have also contributed to the National Constitution Center’s forthcoming Interactive Declaration of Independence and America 250 educational resources, which will become available in the fall of 2025.

The giveaway is open from Sunday, May 4 to Sunday, May 11, at 12 a.m. ET. All you need to do is submit your contact information and answer three short answer questions about your plans to teach the 250th.

Apply to Join Our Teacher Advisory Council

The National Constitution Center Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) is a professional learning community of educators who collaborate with the Center to share best practices for teaching constitutional, historical, and civics topics.

Members of the Teacher Advisory Council receive a yearly stipend for their valuable time and professional advice.

TAC members have the opportunity to:

• Build community with fellow educators in a nationwide professional learning community
• Facilitate professional development opportunities and conference presentations with members of the Center’s Education team
• Participate in virtual and on-site programs exclusive to members of the Center’s educator networks
• Support in shaping the Center’s nonpartisan educational materials and programs

What TAC Educators Are Saying:

“In joining the Teacher Advisory Council, I am contributing to developing resources and programs that help teachers effectively connect these concepts with students’ everyday lives. This role has offered a great opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with fellow educators committed to enhancing civic learning.” –Mike A., eighth grade world history teacher, Florida

Weekend Workshop Applications Close May 16

Deepen your knowledge of the Constitution and how it has been used by different groups throughout history to enact change in our fall Weekend Workshops.

Dates and themes:

• September 19–21 | Women and the Constitution 
• October 24–26 | African Americans and the Constitution 
• November 14–16 | Native Americans and the Constitution, in partnership with Retro Report

Application criteria:

• This set of Weekend Workshops is only open to applicants in rural, remote, or underserved communities. Others may apply, but preference will be given to applicants who meet this requirement.

The Center covers the costs of all travel to the National Constitution Center, lodging, and meals for those selected to participate, but space is limited to no more than 15 educators. Applications are open now until May 16.

Support for Teaching the U.S. Semiquincentennial

The National Constitution Center and the Center for Civic Education have been awarded the 2025 Leonore Annenberg Civics Award for their joint initiative, Teaching250: Civics Renewal for America’s 250th and Beyond.  

Presented by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, the $200,000 award will fund a two-day symposium in early 2026 at the National Constitution Center, convening educators and partners from the Civics Renewal Network to develop high-quality nonpartisan educational resources for teaching America’s 250th anniversary and the Declaration of Independence. Participants will engage with constitutional scholars, explore CRN materials, and collaborate on creating the Teaching250 Learning Suite—a free, accessible collection of civics resources for educators nationwide. 

“We can leverage the excellent work of other CRN partners and the creative, entrepreneurial genius that so many teachers have to stitch together many outstanding resources to create the most meaningful experiences for their students and a stellar set of collaborative resources,” explains Julie Silverbrook, vice president of civic education as the National Constitution Center. 

Upcoming Events in May

🗓️ Live From the Museum: The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Online | Tuesday, May 6 | Noon ET

In partnership with the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, the National Constitution Center celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month with this virtual tour. Explore the Weitzman’s galleries and hear the stories of inspirational Jewish Americans who changed American history forever, with a spotlight on the founding ideal of religious liberty enshrined in the First Amendment.

🗓️ America's Town Hall: Constitutional Meaning in the Shadow of the Articles of Confederation

In-Person and Online | Monday, May 12 | 11 a.m.–4:15 p.m. ET

The Brennan Center for Justice and the National Constitution Center present a symposium exploring how the Articles of Confederation shaped the U.S. Constitution. Historians, legal scholars, and journalists will examine the legacy of the Articles of Confederation, the founding debates over federal power, and the lasting influence of these debates on constitutional interpretation today.

🗓️ Live Student Programs: Signers Hall Virtual Tour

Online | Monday, May 19 | Noon ET

Join us for a tour of Signers’ Hall, the iconic exhibit featuring life-size statues of the 42 men who gathered in Philadelphia on May 25, 1787, for the opening of the Constitutional Convention.

🗓️ Free Professional Learning: Civility at the Founding

Online | Wednesday, May 21 | 6:30–8 p.m. ET

Close out the academic year by exploring the historical and constitutional significance of civility as a concept. During this session, participants will dive into broader themes, connect classroom lessons to historical perspectives, and gain strategies to set an engaging, thought-provoking tone for the next academic year.

Connect With Us

Constitution 101 | Professional Learning | Virtual Student Programs | Events Calendar 

About the National Constitution Center’s Educational Resources 

The National Constitution Center provides K-12 curriculum, professional learning, and student programs that make constitutional education engaging and relevant. Learn more at: constitutioncenter.org/education.

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