2023 Annual Conference for Teachers in Civics, Law, and Government
The Constitutional Democracy Project’s Professional Development Conference for Teachers in Civics, Law, and Government is a one-of-a-kind working conference that brings together teachers, professors, lawyers, judges, civic leaders, cultural institution scholars, civic education specialists, and others to highlight best practices for teaching young people awareness of the law, the legal system, and their rights and responsibilities as engaged citizens.
This year’s Annual Conference for Teachers in Civics, Law, and Government will focus on the theme of “Holding Our Democracy Accountable.”
Democracy works best when the citizens of a nation hold their government accountable. But how do we, as citizens, ensure that our government exercises its power responsibly and in the best interest of the people? How do we contribute to ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in a democratic system?
In a time where the strength and integrity of our democratic institutions are paramount, it is crucial for citizens to actively engage in the process of holding our democracy accountable. This conference aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure transparency, fairness, and ethical governance in our political systems. Join us as we delve into the principles of accountability, explore the role of citizens in upholding democracy, and learn practical strategies to address challenges such as corruption, misinformation, and voter suppression. Together, we will foster a culture of civic responsibility, enabling us to protect and strengthen the very foundations of our democratic society.
There is a $25 registration. A link for payment will be sent upon registration. Invoices can be issued upon request.
When: Friday, October 27, 2023, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Where: Conviser Law Center, Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W. Adams Street, Chicago (1 block west of Union Station)
Who: Middle, High School & Pre-service Teachers
CPDU Credit is Available
Seeking Proposals
The Constitutional Democracy Project (CDP) is once again partnering with the American Bar Association's Division of Public Education and inviting proposals for its Annual Conference for Teachers in Civics, Law, and Government on Friday, October 27, 2023.
Presentations should be relevant, address at least one or more best practices as outlined in the IL Civics Course requirement, encourage opportunities for learner participation, and/or demonstrate application to the work of the audience. Extra consideration will be given to proposals that address the theme of the conference, “Holding Our Democracy Accountable.”
Sessions are 55 minutes long.
Proposals should:
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Feature presenters who are experts or practitioners
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Deliver best practices using approaches for different types of learners
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Incorporate multimedia
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Contain innovative or new ideas
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Stimulate discussion
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Provide meaningful content and take-away materials appropriate to use in the classroom
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Align to one or more of the Illinois Social Science Standards
We are seeking proposals that most closely align to one of these tracks:
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Election Integrity (voter suppression, monitoring, ensuring accurate voter registration...)
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Law & Legal System (courts, law, cases, the role the law plays in accountability)
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Media and Information Integrity (role of media, promoting responsible journalism, countering misinformation and disinformation, ensuring media independence)
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Government Transparency (openness & transparency in government activities, accessible information to the public, disclose financial and lobbying activities, ethical standards.
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Civic Engagement and Participation (the importance of citizen involvement in democratic processes, public participation in policy-making, advocacy for diverse representation, protecting freedom of speech and assembly)
These categories encompass different aspects and areas that contribute to ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in a democratic system but are not exclusive.
