2025 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.
Guardians of Democracy: Law, History, & the Classroom is a one-day professional development conference for educators and is the theme for this year's conference.
In an era of rapid change and rising challenges to democratic institutions, the classroom remains one of our most powerful tools for sustaining civic life. Join fellow educators, legal experts, historians, and civic education leaders for this dynamic, one-day professional development conference dedicated to equipping teachers with the knowledge, resources, and strategies to foster informed, engaged, and empowered students.
This year’s theme invites us to explore the vital role educators play in protecting democracy through rigorous instruction in law, civics, and history. Sessions will span landmark legal cases, pivotal moments in democratic development, and best practices in teaching for civic engagement and civil discourse—especially in today’s divided climate.
Attendees will choose from curated tracks in:
Law & Government – Constitutional literacy, student rights, simulations, and civic action
History in Action – Teaching critical democratic struggles, movements, and historical turning points
Classroom Practice – Practical strategies for inclusive, inquiry-driven, and discussion-rich learning
Whether you’re a middle or high school teacher, instructional coach, or civic education advocate, this conference offers tools to strengthen your teaching and deepen your students' commitment to democratic ideals. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills, share resources, and connect with fellow educators dedicated to navigating and teaching complex, contentious subjects.
There is a $25 registration. A link for payment will be sent upon registration. Invoices can be issued upon request.
When: Friday, October 31, 2025, 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 inviting proposals for its Annual Conference for Teachers in Civics, Law, and Government on Friday, October 31, 2025.
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, “Guardians of Democracy: Law, History, & the Classroom.”
Sessions are 55 minutes long.
Proposals should:
Feature presenters who are experts or practitioners
Deliver best practices using approaches for different types of learners
Incorporate multimedia
Contain innovative or new ideas
Stimulate discussion
Provide meaningful content and take-away materials appropriate to use in the classroom
Align to one or more of the Illinois Social Science Standards
We are seeking proposals that most closely align to one of these tracks:
Law & Government – (Constitutional literacy, supreme court cases, student rights, simulations, and civic action)
History in Action – (Teaching critical democratic struggles, movements, and historical turning points)
Classroom Practice – (Practical strategies for inclusive, inquiry-driven, and discussion-rich learning)
These tracks can help attract presenters with expertise in various aspects of teaching controversial subjects, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful conference experience.
