Build a Foundation for Civil Dialogue This School Year

Welcome back, educators! As you launch into a new school year, now is the perfect time to embed civil dialogue and reflection practices into your classroom culture. This approach—one of three pillars in the National Constitution Center’s educational framework—helps students practice respectful conversations, reflect on different viewpoints, and think like constitutional scholars.

"During the first and second class every year, my students create norms together and we post them in front of the room. We revisit them constantly, and because we do that, we are able to create an environment where students feel welcome and are able to give their point of view freely." —Jacyln Jecha, high school history and government teacher, Wisconsin

Like Jacyln, we encourage you to begin on day one. Set the tone early by introducing dialogue as a key part of how your classroom operates—not just during current event moments, but every day. To get started, explore the first module in our Constitution 101 curriculum that offers videos, activities, and knowledge checks on civil dialogue.

Your Go-To Classroom Companion for America’s 250th

Looking for one place to support your lesson planning all year long in the lead up to Americas 250th birthday? Say hello to your new favorite planning tool—our free 2025–2026 Civic Calendar.

This isn’t just a calendar. It’s your month-by-month guide to weaving the founding stories of the United States into your lessons in a way that’s timely, meaningful, and complimentary to your existing plans. Each month spotlights revolutionary moments and themes that helped shape the road to 1776, with ready-to-use discussion questions and links to related free resources from our forthcoming Interactive Declaration of Independence and America at 250 Civic Toolkit.

Let our Civic Calendar be your MVP in lesson planning for celebrating America’s 250th — one month and one powerful story at a time. Requests can be made now, and calendars will be shipped out to classrooms in September.

You're Invited: September Events

🗓️ Live from the Museum: Virtual Tour of Signers’ Hall

Tuesday, September 16 | Noon & 2 p.m. ET

A museum educator will take students on a tour of Signers’ Hall, the iconic exhibit featuring life-size statues of the 42 men who gathered in Philadelphia for the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787.

🗓️ America's Town Hall: Born Equal: America’s Founding Promise and the Fight for Equality

Tuesday, September 16 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET

In Person and Online

On the eve of Constitution Day, constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar of Yale Law School discusses his new book, Born Equal: Remaking America’s Constitution, 1840–1920, which explores the transformative amendments that redefined freedom, equality, and voting rights in the post–Civil War era.

🗓️ Civic Holiday: Constitution Day

Wednesday, September 17 | All Day

In Person and Online

On September 17, 1787, the framers signed the U.S. Constitution. Every year, the NCC commemorates that historic occasion by hosting a day that combines educational and engaging programming with a fun and festive atmosphere, creating an unforgettable experience for students and teachers.

Programming Highlights:

• Student Town Hall: A Conversation with Revolutionary Figures Featuring Carol Berkin
• Launch of the Interactive Declaration and America at 250 Civic Toolkit
• An Evening with Justice Amy Coney Barrett

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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