Democracy Schools Network

Monthly Update

October 2024

Democracy Schools Network Annual Convening

How shall we live together?

The 2024 Illinois Democracy Schools Annual Convening took place on Monday, September 23. More than 200 IDS members, stakeholders, civic partners, and allies gathered at the Northern Illinois University Conference in Naperville for a day of civic learning. See highlights below!

Keynote panel explores this year's theme

Led by Mary Ellen Daneels, Illinois Democracy Schools Director, four representatives of the DSN engaged in a conversation about "How Shall We Live Together?": Margie Smagacz, administrator from Chicago Public Schools (and former team leader at George Foreman Academy (2020), Jamie Nash Mayberry, Social Sciences teacher from Cobden High School (2023), Blanca Ruiz, Program Assistant for the Student Resource Center at West Chicago Community High School (2006), Gilda Ross, Glenbard Student and Community Projects Coordinator and the creator of the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families, (Glenbard Schools, 2008-12). The panel discussion was followed by questions from the member audience and table discussions about how this theme plays out in our members' schools and communities.

Our members gather for a day of civic learning, sharing ideas, and connecting with members of the Democracy Schools Network.

DSN members engage

with colleagues from

other schools.

DSN members exchange ideas about new programs, activities, and events that elevate civic learning for their students.

Many of our civic partners were in attendance to offer materials, resources, and expertise.

Our check-in team eagerly awaits the arrival of participants.

Thanks to our outstanding presenters (25 of them!), participants were able to attend breakout sessions on a wide range of current topics in civic learning. (Access presenter materials here.)

Democracy Schools Network Honors Excellence

Carolyn Pereira

Civic Leadership Award

This honor is presented annually to a DSN member who "provides exemplary commitment to strengthening school-wide civic engagement and learning, and exhibits initiative, creativity, persistence, and integrity in modeling and promoting the elements of the Illinois Democracy Schools model." This year's honoree is Jennifer Burdette, from Spoon River Valley High School. Congratulations, Jen.

Pictured above with Jen and Carolyn are former award winners: Billson Rasavongxay (2022), Jason Janczak (2023), Carolyn Pereira, Jen Burdette (2024), Donald Davis (2018). Not in photo are former award winners Stacy Steiner (2020), and Andrea Seipp (2019).

Darlene Ruscitti

Civic Champion Award

This award honors a member of the civic learning community who has made a significant and sustained contribution to supporting the Democracy Schools Network. This individual exemplifies exceptional dedication, innovation, and a commitment to empowering teachers and students in their quest to become active and engaged citizens.

This year's honoree is Professor Steven D. Schwinn. Congratulations, Steve!



Photo below of Professor Schwinn and Dr. Darlene Ruscitti.

Reimagining Governance of Illinois Democracy Schools

You are invited to attend our webinar on Thursday, November 7 from 4-5 pm that will begin the discussion about the future program, structure, and leadership of Illinois Democracy Schools. This session will address the current state of the initiative, assess the strengths and challenges, and pose questions that will need to be explored by the new team of member leaders. If you are interested in learning more about this team and its work, please join us.



Register here.

Civics Hive Podcast

The Civics Hive is a NEW podcast that takes you on a journey through the intersection of civics and technology, preparing students for active civic engagement in the 21st century.

In each episode, hosts MJ Warden and Mary Ellen Daneels will explore essential questions with expert guests including leading educators, tech innovators, and passionate advocates, all sharing their wisdom and experiences to empower you with the knowledge you need to make a difference. This month's episode features Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. This essential question is addressed: "How can we engage youth in a meaningful way in the 2024 election?"



If you missed our past episodes, it's not too late to catch up on our thought-provoking discussions with:

• Award-winning author and EdTech Teacher Shawn McCusker who discusses the essential question, "Is AI good for Democracy?"
• Dr. Joseph Kahne from the Civic Engagement Research Group to discuss the question, "What does it mean to educate for a diverse democracy?"
•  Joel Breakstone from the Digital Inquiry Group (formerly Stanford History Education Group or SHEG) who addresses the essential question, "How can students practice civic online reasoning?"
• Dr. Leah Bueso, Assistant Professor of Urban Education at the University of Illinois Springfield, discusses current challenges that students with disabilities face in terms of civic equity.

Media Literacy Week

October 21-25

Help the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) make the 10th Annual U.S. Media Literacy Week the most impactful yet! Throughout the week, NAMLE unites educators, students, organizations, and community members to celebrate and promote media literacy.

Whether enhancing your curriculum, advocating in your community, or spreading awareness, there's a place for everyone. Together, we ensure media literacy is widely taught and highly valued as an essential life skill. Register as a participant now to access all NAMLE-hosted events, including the Media Literacy Resource Showcase and Awards Ceremony.

Earn Your Microcredentials 

Become a Guardian of Democracy Educator

The Illinois Civics Hub has partnered with the Lou Frey Institute at the University of Central Florida to provide educators the opportunity to earn microcredentials in the proven practices of civic education embedded in the middle and high school civics course requirements in Illinois. Courses include:

• Current and Controversial Issue Discussions—Learn from academic experts Dr. Diana Hess & Dr. Paula McAvoy as you explore the purpose, role, and function of discussion strategies as pedagogical tools to equip young people to be engaged citizens. This course will enhance the practice of educators with strategies and resources to create a classroom climate in which there are equitable opportunities for ALL students to engage in dialogue about essential questions across the curriculum.

• Simulations of Democratic Processes—Learn from academic experts Dr. Walter Parker & Dr. Jane Lo as you explore how democratic processes and procedures occur as part of the regular functioning of government, in each of the three branches of government, and at each level of government. This course will guide you through the purpose, planning, and implementation of three simulations: town hall meetings, legislative hearings, and moot courts.

• Informed Action through Service Learning—Learn from academic experts Dr. Joseph Kahne and Jessica Marshall as you explore the purpose, role, and function of informed action through service learning as a pedagogical tool to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be active members of their community. In this course, you will interact with strategies and tools you can use in your classroom to support student-centered informed action through service learning.

• NEW: Constitutional Democracy as Content and Practice—Learn from academic experts Dr. Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, Dr. Shawn P. Healy, and Dr. Bonnie Laughlin Schultz as you explore how the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap can help teach constitutional democracy as both content and practice across disciplines K-12.

Registration information is available on the Guardians of Democracy homepage. Those who successfully complete the 5-week online course will earn a Bronze Certified Guardian of Democracy Educator badge via Badgr and the University of Central Florida Center for Distributive Learning.

Participants can earn 15 PD hours through the DuPage Regional Office of Education. Please note that, due to some changes in our funding, the Democracy School Network will no longer be offering a stipend to participants.

There are three strands of courses for each proven practice of civics education. Graduate credit is available through the University of St. Francis for completing all three courses. For more information, please visit the Guardians of Democracy homepage.

Check out our website for PD opportunities, resources and inspiration.

illinoiscivics.org