Breakout Session Descriptions

Breakout 1 (9:40 to 10:30 am)

Quest to fulfill the promises of the Declaration of Independence (Bill of Rights Institute)

Participants will explore how the Founders wrestled with their principles of liberty, justice, and equality. Exploring primary resources, teachers will analyze and discuss how these principles contributed to the quest to end slavery. The session puts teachers and students in conversation with those who strove and continue to strive for a greater realization of the promises of liberty, equality, and justice as outlined in the Declaration of Independence by exploring key periods in African American history. This collection of primary sources help students assess what progress has been made in the fight for realizing liberty, equality, and justice for African Americans.

Navigating Information in the Age of AI (News Literacy Project)

We are dealing with the most challenging information landscape in human history. Digital tools, artificial intelligence and social media make it easy for anyone to spread misinformation and disinformation. The News Literacy Project believes education is the most effective method to address this challenge. Our free educator resources, including the browser-based e-learning platform Checkology®, lay the foundation for students to learn how to think independently and evaluate and interpret sources. Join us to discover strategies for infusing news and media literacy into your classroom teaching!

No Permission Needed: Breaking Barriers and Reclaiming Civic Space (Impactful Solutions)

In this interactive session, participants will explore how to lead authentically in civic spaces often designed to exclude them. Through storytelling, interactive tools, and collective strategy, attendees will identify their civic identity and learn how to help others overcome emotional, systemic, and cultural barriers. Ideal for educators working with diverse student populations, this session focuses on equity-driven civic education that empowers students not just to participate, but to lead.

Breakout 2 (1:00 to 1:50 pm)

Here Comes the Judge... (PA Bar Association, Rendell Center for Civic Engagement, PA Council for the Social Studies)

Every student deserves his or her day in Court and the Rendell Center, the Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies and the Pennsylvania Bar Association, three original members of PA Civics, will show you how to make that happen through a series of Pennsylvania historical mock trials and appellate arguments. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will be working with these partners and schools across the Commonwealth to make the law come alive and to highlight why the independence of the Judiciary is so important.

Building a Self-Governing People: The American Revolution (Bill of Rights Institute)

What were the circumstances that led to the American Revolution? Dive into the key events and organize historical information into a structured story map of the American Revolution. Model how your students can analyze the role of perseverance in the Revolutionary War by examining the challenges faced by the Continental Army and the factors that motivated them to continue fighting. An opportunity to share and reflect best practices for engaging middle school students using primary sources and stories of the American Revolution!

Exploring First Amendment Rights Through Prison Journalism (Eastern State Penitentiary)

What happens to free speech behind prison walls? Join Eastern State's Center for Justice Education in an immersive session exploring the role of incarcerated writers in advancing press freedom. Step into the shoes of a prison journalist navigating censorship, legal barriers, and the fight to be heard. Using primary sources and legal case studies, this session equips educators with tools to humanize mass incarceration and inspire students to critically examine rights, justice, and democracy in the U.S.

Breakout 3 (2:40 to 3:30 pm)

Teaching America 250 through Storytelling and Dialogue (National Constitution Center)

Participants will learn about the complexities of storytelling, methods for engaging with primary sources, and procedures for developing discussions, particularly centered around America 250. These practices are classroom-tested and research supported to positively impact student outcomes and understanding. The interconnectivity among these practices will be highlighted through storytelling and nonpartisan research so teachers can implement these practices in the classroom with ease.

Ripped from the Headlines: Extremism in Education in South-Central PA (Teach Plus PA)

Across Pennsylvania, extremist groups are attempting to infiltrate local, state, and federal politics. While this is a statewide problem, this workshop will present the latest information about what is happening throughout York County from someone teaching on the frontlines. People who attend the session will be more informed while leaving with additional tools to help all students in PA schools.

Primary Sources in Early Grades: Historical Literacy for Little Historians (Bill of Rights Institute)

Engage your elementary classroom with innovative primary source integration inspired by the Bill of Rights Institute’s curriculum. Gain practical strategies, resources, and hands-on techniques for engaging historical inquiry and empowering students. Leave prepared to inspire!