April Newsletter
Issue 23
I. CREATE News and Updates
- Civics Day 2025: A Day of Learning and Community Impact
- MCS Students to Experience History Firsthand at Conner Prairie
- Teacher Spotlight: Hope Delroy
II. Opportunities for Teachers and Students
- Professional Development: Navigating Polarization With Viewpoint-Diverse Civil Discourse
- CREATE’s Civic Badge Program
- 2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy
IV. Featured Resources
- Indiana Bar Foundation: 2025 Indiana Civics Summit
- Featured Resource: iCivics
CREATE News and Updates
Civics Day 2025: A Day of Learning and Community Impact
Organized by star teacher Julie Snider in collaboration with a dedicated committee of educators, Civics Day 2025 at Muncie Central High School promises to be an inspiring, interactive, and community-centered experience. Taking place on May 2, 2025, the event is designed to immerse students in real-world civic engagement through hands-on learning, meaningful 
dialogue, and service projects that connect them to their local community.
From guest speakers and interactive workshops to job shadowing and service projects, Civics Day is a chance for students to see civic engagement in action—whether through learning leadership skills, participating in environmental initiatives, or meeting elected officials to discuss the importance of public service.
Off the Morning with Interactive Learning
The morning will start with a variety of sessions tailored to inspire leadership, encourage civic participation, and offer hands-on demonstrations. Students will have the opportunity to select from a wide range of activities based on their interests.
MC-66335 Civics Day at Muncie Central High School on Apr. 19, 2024. Photo by Samantha Blankenship / Ball State University
For those drawn to leadership and government, the Shafer Leadership Workshop in the library will provide valuable insights into what it takes to be an effective leader in today’s society. Meanwhile, students in the auditorium will have a chance to engage directly with elected officials, who will share their experiences and discuss the role of civic leaders in shaping policies and making a difference in the community.
Guest speaker Brandon Hayes, will address a large audience in the cafeteria, inspiring students with lessons on perseverance, public service, and advocacy.
For those interested in hands-on demonstrations, the K-9 Unit demonstration on the soccer practice field will showcase the skills and training of working police dogs, providing a firsthand look at how law enforcement utilizes canine units for public safety. Additionally, students can participate in a self-defense demonstration in the wrestling room, where they will learn essential techniques for personal safety and self-empowerment.
Engaging in Hands-On Civic Service and Fun
After an active morning, the afternoon will provide teacher-led activities, offering students a chance to engage in creative, service-oriented, and interactive experiences.
MC-66335 Civics Day at Muncie Central High School on Apr. 19, 2024. Photo by Samantha Blankenship / Ball State University
These experiences will help students gain valuable skills, build connections with professionals, and see firsthand how civic engagement can shape their futures.
Throughout the day, community leaders, organizations, and volunteers will be stationed in the Student Center, ready to engage with students and provide resources on civic initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and career pathways.
This will be a great opportunity for students to ask questions, explore community partnerships, and find ways to stay engaged beyond Civics Day.
Why Civics Day Matters
Civics Day empowers students to be engaged, responsible, and active citizens. By participating in leadership workshops, learning from guest speakers, engaging in service projects, and networking with local professionals, students will gain a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to their communities and shape the world around them.
We encourage everyone to get involved and make Civics Day 2025 a success! Whether you’re interested in public service, environmental activism, creative expression, or community engagement, there is something for everyone at this year’s event.
MCS Students to Experience History Firsthand at Conner Prairie
Muncie Elementary Students to Experience History Firsthand at Conner Prairie. We’re excited to announce that North View Elementary, East Washington Academy (EWA), and Longfellow Elementary 
School are all planning upcoming field trips to Conner Prairie—an immersive, hands-on history park in central Indiana—thanks to support from the CREATE project.
These experiences are more than just field trips. They’re a vital part of CREATE’s mission to connect civic learning with real-world, place-based exploration. By walking through historical reenactments, engaging with interpreters, and participating in interactive exhibits, students will see history come alive and understand how it continues to shape their communities today.
Teacher-leader Andrea Streaty shared her enthusiasm: “this trip offers a meaningful opportunity to bring history to life for our students.”
We’re grateful to the school leaders, teachers, and families who are making these experiences possible—and to the Conner Prairie team for partnering with us to create impactful civic learning moments.
Stay tuned for stories, reflections, and photos from these field trips in our next issue!
Teacher Spotlight: Hope Delroy
At Longfellow Elementary School Hope Delroy is making an impact as a kindergarten teacher, nurturing young minds and fostering a sense of community in the classroom. With just two years of teaching experience, Hope has already established herself as a dedicated educator 
who believes in the power of civic education from an early age.
A Calling from the Start
For Hope, teaching has been a lifelong aspiration. “Ever since I was in second grade, I have wanted to be an educator,” she shares. Her passion for education was ignited by an extraordinary teacher who made learning engaging and meaningful. “School became a place where I felt safe to try things that were outside my comfort zone. My second-grade teacher encouraged us to become a community of learners that celebrated one another, no matter how big or small the challenge was for us.”
Hope carries this same philosophy into her own classroom, where she creates an environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and excited to learn.
Hope credits the Summer Civic Learning Academy (SCLA) with shaping her approach to teaching. “The experience of SCLA has really enhanced my teaching,” she explains. “I have a stronger desire to provide my students with a more authentic civic experience by implementing fun and engaging lessons that are relatable to their lives.”
By instilling a sense of community and responsibility in her students, Hope ensures that they understand the importance of being model citizens—one day at a time. Her goal is clear: to lay the foundation for engaged, informed, and responsible members of society.
Advice for Fellow Educators
Hope’s enthusiasm for civic education is contagious, and she encourages other teachers to embrace it. “Don’t be afraid to expose your students to civics,” she advises. “As early as kindergarten, it is important to build a community of citizens because this will provide them with time to become their best selves. Learning about civics is important because civics is the backbone of all other learning. Understanding civics helps us to be more well-rounded individuals.”
Her belief in the value of civic education underscores the importance of teaching young students about community, responsibility, and engagement—concepts that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Looking Ahead
As she nears the end of her second year of teaching, Hope remains committed to both her own professional growth and the success of her students. “I have been inspired to educate myself as well as my students in my classroom. It is of the utmost importance to know that our young scholars will have a brighter future because of our efforts to help them secure their voice.”
Through her passion, dedication, and belief in the power of civic learning, Hope Delroy is shaping the future, one young student at a time. Her journey serves as an inspiration for educators everywhere, reminding us that fostering a sense of community and responsibility in the classroom lays the foundation for a more engaged and informed society.
II.Opportunities for Teachers and Students
Navigating Polarization With Viewpoint-Diverse Civil Discourse
CREATE is proud to offer this professional development session in partnership with Sphere Education Initiatives, designed to support educators in teaching students how to engage in meaningful, respectful conversations—especially in today’s increasingly polarized world.
Event Details:
- Session Title: Navigating Polarization With Viewpoint-Diverse Civil Discourse
- Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST
- Location: Zoom (Register Here for Link)
Incentive: $62.50 stipend for Muncie Community Schools (MCS) teachers who participate and complete a post-session survey
This virtual session will be led by Sarah Lane and John Snoad from Sphere Education Initiatives, a national organization dedicated to equipping educators with nonpartisan, viewpoint-diverse resources to promote civil discourse and civic learning.
In this session, educators can explore:
- How to use rhetoric as a tool for student empowerment, especially among students traditionally viewed as vulnerable or underserved
- How to teach civil discourse through practical skills in speaking, listening, and fair-minded critical thinking
- How to implement a full rhetoric unit, designed to spark student interest while supporting deeper engagement in civic life
About the Presenters:
Sarah Lane serves as Educator Engagement Specialist for Sphere and brings a wealth of experience in civic education outreach and instructional design.
John Snoad is a seasoned PD facilitator and curriculum consultant with Sphere, with a strong background in helping teachers foster constructive dialogue across ideological divides.
Together, they will offer powerful strategies and classroom-ready tools that empower students to express themselves effectively while engaging with diverse viewpoints.
“We know teachers are looking for tools that help students have tough conversations with respect and purpose. This session gives them the resources—and the confidence—to do just that.”
— Sarah Lane, Sphere Education Initiatives
Who Should Attend?
This session is ideal for 5–12 educators in any subject area interested in helping students develop civil discourse skills and rhetorical fluency.
2024 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy
The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State is pleased to announce the 2024 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy, scheduled for September
The 2024 Civic Learning Symposium
This conference will bring together scholars, educators, community leaders, artists, and practitioners to examine how civic identity, artistic expression, and community engagement intersect to shape democratic life. Through interactive discussions, thought-provoking presentations, and engaging workshops, we will explore how character, aesthetics, and public life inform and influence each other in fostering a vibrant civic culture.
Call for Proposals
We invite proposals that contribute to the broader conversation on democracy and civic renewal, please submit your proposal here.
Key Dates
- Proposal Submission Deadline: June 15, 2024
- Notification of Acceptance: July 7, 2024
- Conference Dates: September 27-28, 2024
Join the Conversation
The Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy is an opportunity to engage with leading voices in civic education, community leadership, and democratic engagement. Hosted by the Center for Economic and Civic Learning, this annual gathering fosters meaningful dialogue and advances scholarship at the intersection of democracy, civic responsibility, and public life.
We invite you to join us in this discussion. For more information, visit our website or contact Dr. David J. Roof at djroof@bsu.edu.
CREATE’s Civic Badge Program
Description: This badge will be awarded to dedicated educators who have demonstrated excellence in teaching civic education, inspiring the next generation of responsible and engaged citizens. It represents the commitment of educators to impart civic knowledge, uphold democratic values, and empower students to be responsible citizens. The design combines elements of 
knowledge, enlightenment, and achievement, which are central to the field of civic education.
Award Criteria:
Submission Process: Please complete the follow form HERE
Deadlines for Submission: December 15th and August 15th.
Method of Submission: Educators should submit documentation of professional development, HERE
Selection Process: A panel will review submissions. Recipients will be chosen based on the impact of their civic education initiatives, and their demonstrated commitment to fostering civic engagement among students.
Recognition: Award recipients will be recognized at annual Conference on Civic Studies.
PD Spotlight: Project ACCLaIM Offers Micro-Credential & Stipend
We’re excited to share a professional development opportunity for educators across the country—Project ACCLaIM (Advancing Civics Curriculum Learning through Instructional Micro-credentials) at Arizona State University is now offering free tuition and stipends for educators looking to sharpen their civic education skills.
Thanks to the leadership of Lindsie Spengler, M.Ed, NBCT, Clinical Assistant Professor at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Project ACCLaIM has expanded its offerings to include free micro-credentials and self-paced courses tailored specifically for K–12 educators. These opportunities not only strengthen teaching practice but also provide valuable stipends and recognition.
What’s Included?
Micro-Credentials Practice-focused, competency-based learning experiences that allow educators to demonstrate mastery in civic education.
Earn $85 per micro-credential completed—up to 9 micro-credentials total!
Self-Paced Courses Short, engaging, and free online courses designed to build knowledge in American history, civics, and media literacy—perfect preparation for micro-credential success.
Zero Tuition Cost All micro-credentials and self-paced courses are fully funded through Project ACCLaIM, making this an accessible and rewarding professional development experience for educators nationwide.
These micro-credentials are designed to align with instructional best practices and give teachers tools to integrate civic learning directly into their classrooms—while earning compensation and credentials that enhance professional résumés. “This is a great opportunity for teachers to develop their skills, enhance their resumes, and earn stipends while doing so.” – Lindsie Spengler, Project Manager, Project ACCLaIM. Registration is Open Now! Educators can register HERE.
IV.Featured Resources
Indiana Bar Foundation: The 2025 Indiana Civics Summit
The 2025 Indiana Civics Summit, on Thursday, April 17, promises to be an event for educators and civic leaders alike. The summit will focus on three key areas: student civic involvement, a keynote presentation by Jeff Rosen, and the launch of A250, a reflection on America’s 250th anniversary.
Key Themes of the Civics Summit
Student Civic Involvement: A core component of the summit will highlight innovative ways to engage students in civic activities, fostering responsible citizenship and 
democratic participation. Sessions will explore student-led initiatives, service-learning projects, and curriculum strategies that empower young people to make a difference in their communities.
Renowned constitutional scholar Jeff Rosen will provide insights into the evolving landscape of American democracy and the significance of civic education in upholding democratic values.
In anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the summit will introduce the A250 initiative, which aims to inspire civic engagement through historical reflection and forward-looking discussions on democracy’s future.
More Indiana Bar Foundation Events for Educators
Educators can access a range of professional development opportunities through upcoming events hosted by the Indiana Bar Foundation. These workshops and institutes provide valuable resources for integrating civic education into classrooms:
- April 5: Primary Source Documents Workshop – A deep dive into using historical documents to enhance civic learning.
- June 5: Inside Indiana Government Workshop – An interactive exploration of state government processes and institutions.
- June 22-26: We the People (WTP) Institute – An intensive training for educators on teaching constitutional principles.
- July 13-17: WTP Philadelphia Institute for Grades 4-8 – A specialized program focusing on civic education for younger students.
You can find more information and register HERE
Featured Resource: iCivics – Empowering the Next Generation of Informed Citizens
At the heart of a thriving democracy is an informed and engaged citizenry. iCivics, a nonprofit founded by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2009, is leading the movement to ensure every student in the United States has access to high-quality civic education. With over 9 million students and 145,000 teachers using its resources nationwide, iCivics is transforming how civics is taught—and learned.
What iCivics Offers
iCivics provides free, standards-aligned curriculum resources designed to foster civic knowledge, critical thinking, and democratic engagement. Educators can access:
- Interactive games (like Do I Have a Right?, Win the White House, and Branches of Power) that place students in real-life civic roles
- Lesson plans covering foundational topics such as constitutional law, civil rights, media literacy, and the branches of government
- Professional development and collaboration opportunities through the iCivics Educator Network
- Student engagement opportunities, such as the Youth Fellows program and the National Civics Bee®
Digital Literacy for a New Era In a time of AI-generated content, misinformation, and deep fakes, students need tools to critically evaluate what they see online. The Civic Digital Literacy collection—developed in partnership with the Digital Inquiry Group—equips middle and high school learners with essential skills for identifying reliable information and engaging responsibly in the digital public square.
Why This Matters As iCivics emphasizes, “The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned by each new generation.” The organization’s mission reflects the same vision that powers the CREATE project: developing civic agency, nurturing democratic values, and preparing young people to lead with knowledge and purpose.
Strategic Vision
iCivics’ strategic framework is built on four pillars:
- Innovate Education: Empower educators with engaging, relevant resources
- Inform Policy: Advocate for civic education as a national priority
- Inspire Engagement: Mobilize a diverse network of learners and leaders
- Illustrate Impact: Use research to show the transformative power of civic learning
From classrooms to courtrooms to communities, iCivics is equipping the next generation to raise their hands, lift their voices, and believe in the future of our democracy.
Learn More Explore resources, join the educator network, or support their mission here.
CREATE Information
CREATE can support MCS teachers. If you have questions or to recommend additional Professional Development events, please email CREATE@bsu.edu.
To stay informed of the latest resources and opportunities, sign up for CREATE’s email list.
Visit the CREATE Website.
CREATE is grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Education.
