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Democracy Schools Network

Monthly Update

August 2024


Civics: How shall we live together?


Democracy Schools Network Annual Convening


Monday, September 23

8 am--2 pm

Northern Illinois University Conference Center, Naperville


Please consider joining us for our DSN Annual Convening!! We are delighted to give our members this access to experts in the field on topics that matter to ALL educators who value schoolwide civic learning. Expand your understanding by engaging with speakers and colleagues on such issues as Student Voice, Current and Controversial Issues in the Classroom, 2024 Election, various aspects of Media Literacy, SCOTUS, and Artivism. Explore new avenues and get inspiration from fellow DSN members who share stories of their own experiences in their schools and classrooms. 


There is no fee for this day-long experience, which includes a light breakfast and lunch. Hotel accommodations are provided for members from schools that are at least 120 miles from Convening site.


Our work on the new K-12 Illinois Democracy Schools model is in its final stage, so we hope that you will invite a colleague from an elementary or middle school in your district to attend and take a deeper dive into civic learning for all.


Please register here.

Kicking off the 2024-25 school year


As you work at creating a classroom where students feel safe and empowered to engage in thoughtful dialogue, please take a look at the following resources on our website:

Retro Report's Civic Engagement Challenge!


Retro Report is inviting students to share their perspectives on civic issues they are passionate about. A panel of judges will award $500 to 10 entrants across two categories: video and essay. We’re sponsoring this challenge with Civics Unplugged.


Here are the prompts:

  • What does civic engagement look, feel and sound like in your community?
  • What’s an issue in your community that people aren’t paying attention to, but need to?
  • Highlight a place in your community where civics happens.
  • Find someone who disagrees with you on an issue. Make a video together modeling civil discourse.

The submission portal will appear on Retro Report's website on Aug. 5. In the meantime, take a look at the submission guidelines and our toolkit, downloadable as a PDF.


Learn About the Challenge 

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.


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

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.


Attention Social Studies Teachers!

If you want to be kept current on Social Studies standards, course mandates, and resources to support both, we invite you to sign up for the Illinois Civics Hub newsletter here.

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

illinoiscivics.org