Service-Learning News & Updates

Chicago Public Schools

Department of Social Science & Civic Engagement

Service Learning News & Updates

Introducing Shanti Elliott,

Service Learning Manager

It is an honor to introduce myself as the Service Learning Manager in the Social Science & Civic Engagement Department. A former high school English teacher with strong community networks and a special interest in reflective and restorative practices in education, I look forward to working with teachers across the disciplines, developing authentic project-based learning. I am grateful that Lauren Woods, who skillfully supported teachers for years as Service Learning Coordinator, mentored me through my first month on the job. It is great to be able to partner with Lauren in her new role as WE Schools Manager of Educational Partnerships.

Students’ civic participation is vital to democratic life in our country and our city, and the Social Science & Civic Engagement Department is here to support teachers and organizations engaging young people as powerful leaders, researchers, artists, partners, and change makers in the community. We have terrific cross-curricular resources, professional development offerings, and other supports for dynamic community-based learning, and we welcome new suggestions, questions, and learning opportunities.

Please reach out by email or phone -- or come to Shanti’s Office Hours at Sip Coffee, every other Thursday, between 4pm and 6 pm at 1223 W. Grand. Sip Office Hours will begin Thursday, October 6.

Visit our Knowledge Center page

Professional Development Opportunities

Save the Date: Service Learning Coach Institute Day

October 25, 8:30 am-3:00 pm

Michele Clark School, 5101 W. Harrison

On September 28, 35 teachers and community organization leaders met to practice collaborative project learning design. This was the first of a monthly professional learning series that brings together classroom teachers, service learning coaches, and community partners for relationship building, resource sharing, learning, and dialogue.

Thank you to all who joined us for the September Networking Meeting, some of whom are featured in this newsletter's pictures!

Please see the Professional Learning Calendar for upcoming opportunities.

New Resource: Community Events Calendar

Community Events Calendar

This list is shared with teachers as a resource to support curricular integration of relevant issues and community response to events. Attending community events can help teachers and students connect classroom learning to what's happening in Chicago and the world, find new service learning partners, and build community. In using this calendar, teachers should vet events and ensure that students have parent permissions and safe transportation to events. CPS does not endorse events or organizations represented on this list.

We are developing resources for your use at the Knowledge Center. In the meantime, check out these sites that support teachers’ work integrating real-world issues in their classes:

Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility

Zinn Education Project

Teaching Tolerance

Looking for great community partners?

We have an updated list for you!

Certified Community Partner Contact List

Service Learning Grant Form

now available!

The Department of Social Science and Civic Engagement supports classroom integrated service learning projects with grants of up to $700 per project. Grant applications can be completed by teachers or Service Learning Coaches. We welcome multiple applications from every school, and will try to award funds as fully as possible. Complete this form to apply for a grant to support Fall Semester projects. The form will be sent again to apply for Spring Semester projects.

Chicago Public Schools- Department of Social Science & Civic Engagement | [email protected]

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