St. Cloud – Minnesota Civics Summit: Pre-Conference Professional Development
February 22, 2025 @ 11:30 am - 3:00 pm CST
Free
What does it look like to build a classroom where students have productive discussions on challenging topics? A key evidence-based practice in civics education is the discussion of current events and controversial issues, but in today’s polarized political climate, many students are experiencing fewer opportunities to engage in these kinds of essential discussions in their classrooms. Spend the first half of the session exploring a method for building student capacity for civic discussion in ways that allow them to cultivate empathy and develop their own voice. Then, share your thoughts and needs about the resources and support you need to teach the new Academic Standards in Social Studies, and meet the new legislative requirement that students take a course for credit in citizenship and government in 11th or 12th grade.
- 11:30am – Lunch & Networking
- 12:00pm – Welcome & Introduction to MN Civics Summit
- 12:15pm – Professional Development Workshopon Respectful Conversations in Schools™
A highly interactive workshop where educators will learn about and practice a strategy for having challenging, respectful conversations in class about important, sometimes divisive, issues. Led by Amy Anderson, YMCA Center for Youth Voice. - 1:45pm – Short Break
- 2:00pm – Listening & Sharing Session to Support Teachers in Implementing Anchor Standards
Small and large group discussions on current tools being used, existing gaps, needed supports, and new efforts to help teachers. Led by Brittany Rawson-Haeg, MN Department of Education. - 2:45pm – Large group report out, wrap-up, summary and adjourn by 3:00pm
Sponsored by: MINNESOTA CIVICS SUMMIT – A new, collaborative effort to jumpstart the new civics standards for 11th and 12th graders in Minnesota, to support teachers in their engagement of students in civics and voting. Organizing partners include the Minnesota Humanities Center, MN Department of Education, League of Women Voters of MN, YMCA Center for Youth Voice, Federal Bar Association, MN Council on the Social Studies, TeachingCivics.org, and other interested teachers, community members and civics organizations. More information at lwvmn.org/civics.
CEUs will be provided.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required. Please register by Friday, February 14, 2025.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org