Join Us for a LIVE Public Scholar Exchange on Free Exercise and Establishment (1A: Freedom of Religion)

In this session, students will answer:

What is the Establishment Clause? What was the Founders’ vision for this provision of the First Amendment?
What is the Free Exercise Clause? What was the Founders’ vision for this provision of the First Amendment?
What are some of the most important areas of constitutional debate over religious liberty today?

First Amendment: Religion Clauses

Monday, February 8 and Wednesday, February 10

Friday, February 12, with Kurt Lash

All Ages Session – 1 p.m. ET

Explore resources for the establishment clause and the free exercise clause.

Throughout the month of February, we will explore First Amendment rights and civil liberties, with a focus on how African Americans have used these fundamental rights to change the Constitution.

First Amendment: Assembly and Petition

Note: There will be no Monday class this week.

Wednesday, February 17

Friday, February 19

All Ages Session – 1 p.m. ET

Explore resources for the session here.

Civil Liberties Overview

Monday, February 22, and Wednesday, February 24

Friday, February 26

All Ages Session – 1 p.m. ET

Explore resources for the session here.

Live classes are offered the entire school year with new topics WEEKLY! Review the full 2020-2021 school year schedule HERE.

All sessions are also recorded, streamed live on YouTube, and posted on our website. Need the corresponding resources for each session? Find resource briefs and slides for each topic h ere.

Continue the Conversation With Two More Exchange Opportunities!

Book the time that works for your class to engage!

Private Scholar Exchanges

Available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, these sessions include your class, a scholar, and a moderator—and are available on any Scholar Exchange topic.

Peer to Peer Classroom Exchanges

Led by student voice and moderated by scholars, judges, and teacher facilitators, students across the nation are connected for virtual discussions about the Constitution. Register your class to receive both content-driven and civil dialogue lesson plans.

Now Open: Summer Teacher Institute Applications

Join teachers from across the country and engage with ideologically diverse constitutional scholars and master teachers for a weeklong Summer Teacher Institute or our new three-day Summer Teacher Workshop in July 2021.

Wednesday, July 7 – Friday, July 9, 2021

Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue

Why is civil dialogue important? How was it used during the arguments around the U.S. Constitution? What are meaningful ways to incorporate this type of discussion into your curriculum?

Sunday, July 11 – Friday, July 16, 2021

Building the U.S. Constitution

What rights make up the structure of the U.S. Constitution? How do the articles define rights and responsibilities at the core of the government? How have these rights changed throughout history?

Sunday, July 18 – Friday, July 23, 2021

Battles for Freedom and Equality

What has the struggle for freedom and equality looked like throughout history? Where are constitutional protections of these rights? What movements have defined this struggle?

Monday, July 26 – Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Available exclusively for members of the Center's Teacher Advisory Council

The Bill of Rights

What were some of the influences on the shaping of the Bill of Rights? Why are those specific rights included in the Bill of Rights? How have the Bill of Rights changed since the founding?

There is no cost to attend a summer program, but interested educators must complete a successful application. Application deadlines have been extended to Friday, February 26, 2021.

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Professional Development Opportunities

First Amendment: Past and Present

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

3:30 to 5 p.m. PT/6:30 to 8 p.m. ET

In this session, educators will learn about the National Constitution Center’s educational framework and online resources to support student learning of the First Amendment, and the amendment’s use throughout history. During a live, virtual tour of the Center’s newest exhibit, The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote, participants will examine the role the First Amendment played in the fight for women’s suffrage—including women’s conventions, parades, and the role of Silent Sentinels.

Educators will also receive a collection of student-ready resources on all clauses of the First Amendment, as well as an overview lesson studying the freedom of conscience. Participants will work collaboratively with their peers on portions of these lessons and learn about free upcoming student programs focused on the First Amendment.

Sphere Summit: Teaching Civic Culture Together

June 27 – July 1 and July 25 – July 29

Sphere Summit, a full-scholarship professional development program for grades 5-12 educators, will be offered both June 27 – July 1 and July 25 – July 29. The Summits will offer a hybrid experience, which will allow for both in-person and online attendance.

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The National Constitution Center is updating its popular Civic Calendar to align with the academic year! The 2021-2022 calendar—exploring the Structural Constitution—is coming this August!

Now, teachers and students will be able to study the Structural Constitution throughout the school year—exploring topics like the role and responsibilities of each branch of government, how powers are separated among the branches, federalism, and more.

In addition to historic birthdays, anniversaries, and constitutional trivia, the calendar will also include the latest information on the Center’s 2021-2022 programs to help you plan your full year of constitutional learning.

Anyone who already registered to receive the 2021 Civic Calendar will automatically be sent a copy this summer when the 2021-2022 calendar is released!

The National Constitution Center's education team is here to help with any of our online resources. Email [email protected] with questions or comments on how we can help you and your students with your remote learning needs.

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