May Newsletter
Issue 24
I. CREATE News and Updates
- Muncie Central Students Explore the Indiana Statehouse
- Civics Day 2025 is This Friday
- Applications Open – 2025 Summer Civic Learning Academy
- MCS Students to Experience History Firsthand at Conner Prairie
- Teacher Spotlight: Drew Shermeta
II. Opportunities for Teachers and Students
- CREATE’s Civic Badge Program
- 2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy
IV. Featured Resources
- Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with Lessons and Workshops
- We the People Summer Institute – Free Professional Development for Civics Teachers
CREATE News and Updates
Muncie Central Students Explore the Indiana Statehouse
Civics Day 2025: Empowering Students at Muncie Central High School
On May 2, 2025, Muncie Central High School transformed into a dynamic hub of civic engagement for Civics Day 2025. Organized by star teacher Julie Snider and a dedicated committee of educators, this event brought together students, teachers, community leaders, and guest speakers to celebrate the power of civic education.
The morning kicked off with a range of interactive sessions designed to inspire leadership and community engagement. Students had the opportunity to choose from a variety of sessions, including the Shafer Leadership Workshop in the library, where they learned about leadership principles and practical skills for effective civic action.
In the auditorium, students engaged directly with elected officials, who shared their experiences in public service and discussed the importance of civic leadership. Brandon Hayes, the featured guest speaker in the cafeteria, captivated the audience with his inspiring story of perseverance, public service, and advocacy, leaving students motivated to make a difference.
Outside, the K-9 Unit demonstration provided an up-close look at the skills of police dogs, giving students a hands-on understanding of law enforcement’s role in community safety. Meanwhile, students in the wrestling room participated in a self-defense demonstration, learning essential techniques for personal safety and self-empowerment.
The afternoon was filled with hands-on activities, including community service projects and creative workshops led by teachers. These activities not only allowed students to apply what they learned but also helped them build connections with professionals and community leaders. From environmental initiatives to creative arts projects, students explored how they could contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
Community organizations, local leaders, and volunteers were stationed in the Student Center, providing students with information on civic initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and career pathways. This space became a hub of engagement, where students discovered how they could stay involved beyond Civics Day.
Reflecting on the success of Civics Day, Julie Snider shared, “Our goal was to show students that civic engagement is not just something you read about in textbooks—it’s something you can do, right now, in your own community. Seeing their excitement and curiosity was the best reward.”
As the day concluded, students left Muncie Central High School with a deeper understanding of their roles as active, responsible citizens. Civics Day 2025 was not just an event—it was a celebration of civic learning, leadership, and community impact.
Looking ahead, the CREATE Project will continue to support transformative civic learning experiences for students across Muncie Community Schools. Stay tuned for more stories of student leadership, community service, and civic engagement in future newsletters.
North View Elementary’s Conner Prairie Adventure
A the recent field trip to Conner Prairie for North View Elementary’s kindergarten classes is a perfect example of unique learning experience young students. Led by teacher Nancy Zachary and the dedicated kindergarten team, the trip provided a hands-on journey into the past.
On April 30, 2025, North View’s kindergarten students stepped back in time as they explored 1836 Prairietown, the Lenape Indian Camp, and the Animal Encounters exhibit at Conner Prairie.
At the blacksmith shop, students were mesmerized by the glowing forge as the blacksmith shaped tools from steel. One enthusiastic student shouted, “I want to be a blacksmith!”—a moment that captured the excitement of real-world learning. At the carpenter’s workshop, students watched with fascination as wood was shaped into useful objects, connecting their classroom vocabulary with the tools and techniques of early American trades.
Students also explored the store of Mr. Whitaker, where they learned about historical currency. When asked if they had money to buy chocolate, the students discovered the concept of “free smells” and learned about silver dollars and half dollars, making direct connections to their lessons about money and trade.
At the Lenape Indian Camp, students were introduced to fire-making techniques used by Native Americans, extending their understanding of Native American culture from classroom discussions to lived experience. “That would take forever!” one student exclaimed, watching the traditional method of creating fire through friction.
The Animal Encounters exhibit brought more excitement as students were able to pet friendly animals and experience the joy of outdoor learning. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, one student declared, “This is the best day ever!”—a sentiment echoed by many.
Parents were amazed at the knowledge their children demonstrated. “It’s incredible to see them using the vocabulary they learned in class and connecting it to what they see here,” one parent remarked. Teachers were thrilled as well, seeing their students bring their lessons to life.
Nancy Zachary and the North View kindergarten team expressed their gratitude for the CREATE Project’s support in making this immersive experience possible. “This field trip wasn’t just fun—it was transformative. Our students didn’t just hear about history; they lived it.”
As CREATE continues to provide impactful learning opportunities like this, we are reminded of the power of experiential education to inspire young learners. We look forward to more stories of discovery and growth in the coming months!
Applications Open – 2025 Summer Civic Learning Academy
Muncie Community Schools and the Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State are pleased to announce the return of the Summer Civic Learning Academy, a dynamic, interdisciplinary professional development opportunity designed to empower teachers and enrich classrooms with strategies for civic engagement and student voice.
Event Details:
- Dates: June 16–20, 2025
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily
- Location: Ball State University, L.A. Pittenger Student Center
- Format: In-person sessions Monday–Thursday; Friday, June 20 is reserved for independent work
- Attire: Casual
- Lunch: Meal cards provided
- Stipend: Participants who complete the full program will receive a $1,625 stipend.
What to Expect: This immersive experience invites K–12 educators across all disciplines to explore innovative, accessible ways to embed 
civic learning into their classrooms. Through hands-on workshops, guest speakers, collaborative lesson design, and cross-grade dialogue, the Academy fosters a strong network of teachers committed to preparing students for active and informed participation in their communities.
A Teacher’s Perspective: “It provided useful knowledge that was beneficial to all instructors regardless of the subject matter they teach, and we can readily incorporate them into our lesson plans. This two-week workshop was simply spectacular, and I highly recommend it to all instructors that are capable of attending in the summers to come.” —Warren Bell, Science Teacher, Southside Middle School
For questions, contact Dr. David Roof at djroof@bsu.edu.
MCS 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 for an immersive, hands-on history park in central Indiana, with 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: Drew Shermeta
Drew Shermeta, a veteran social studies educator at Muncie Central High School, brings 16 years of teaching experience from North Carolina, Georgia, and Indiana to the classroom. Now teaching economics at MCHS, Shermeta is not only a content expert, but also a creative force redefining civic and economic education through 
innovation, autonomy, and student voice.
“What has kept me in the profession,” Shermeta reflects, “probably has something to do with seeing this job as a mystery to be unlocked. Each year I feel I’m putting the pieces together a little better, and I keep coming back because of the tremendous relationships with colleagues I respect deeply.”
Shermeta’s passion for innovation shines in his leadership of Muncie Central’s blended economics and government classes—an initiative designed to prepare students for the autonomy of college by giving them more control over how they engage with the curriculum. Students demonstrate learning not by reciting facts for a test, but through meaningful, personalized projects—like student-created podcasts, presentations, or visual displays.
Shermeta’s philosophy is aligned with the CREATE initiative, which he praises for its teacher empowerment and commitment to student-centered civic learning. “Without a doubt, my favorite 
part of CREATE is Civics Day. There’s nothing else that does a better job of reflecting who we are and putting our stamp on something that defines us.”
He is also quick to echo advice he admires from colleague Julie Snider: “Get out of your classroom. Civics education has to be about students seeing themselves in the world. Even a walk to the park can turn into a lesson on marginal social benefit and marginal social cost.”
At the heart of Shermeta’s teaching is a deep belief in the practice of democracy. “It will always be my hope,” he says, “that people interpret civics education not only in terms of content but in terms of practice. If we run our classrooms like autocrats, we prepare students for lives of obedience. If we give them practice with freedom, creativity, and critical thinking, we prepare them to participate meaningfully in the world.”
With his innovative approach and commitment to student voice, Drew Shermeta embodies the transformative potential of civic education. His classroom is more than a space for learning economics—it’s a training ground for democratic life.
II.Opportunities for Teachers and Students
2024 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy
The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State is pleased to announce the 2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy, scheduled for September
The 2025 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, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: July, 2025
- Conference Dates: September 25-27, 2025
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.
Register Here
IV.Featured Resources
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with Lessons and Workshops
In celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) this May, the Institute for Curriculum Services (ICS) is offering a series of free professional learning opportunities and mini-lessons to support classroom instruction on Jewish American history and contributions.
Mini-Lessons and Stipend Opportunity: ICS has developed a series of seven “bite-sized” lessons (20–30 minutes each) that easily integrate into existing curriculum.
Topics include:
- Jewish Americans: A Video Exploration
- History and Experience of Jewish Americans
- Discovering the Diversity of Jewish Americans
- Jewish American Identity
- Jewish American Contributions
- Orthodox Jewish American Community
- Jewish American Heritage Month
Bonus: For every completed lesson implementation form submitted by Monday, June 9, 2025, teachers will receive a $100 stipend.
Additional JAHM Resources:
- Live Virtual Workshops (Wednesdays in May) on teaching about Judaism and Jewish Americans.
- New Educational Video with a viewing guide exploring Jewish American heritage.
- Full-Length Lesson Plan examining Jewish American identity, diversity, and contributions to U.S. society.
Don’t miss these important resources to enhance student understanding and celebrate the diversity and achievements of Jewish Americans!
We the People Summer Institute – Free Professional Development for Civics Teachers
Join the Indiana Bar Foundation this summer for the We the People Summer Institute, an in-depth, multi-day professional development workshop designed for Indiana high school, middle school, and elementary teachers. Participants will deepen their content knowledge of American constitutional principles and explore strategies for preparing students for We the People’s authentic congressional hearing assessments.
Dates: June 22–26, 2025
Location: Indiana University Bloomington, O’Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs
What You Receive:
-
FREE registration
- FREE lodging and meals
- A classroom set of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution textbooks
- A $75 teacher library
26 Professional Growth Points (PGPs)
Special Scholar Sessions Include:
Dr. Robert Dion, University of Evansville – Media & Politics
Steve Sanders, Indiana University Maurer School of Law – Expansion and Limitation of Executive Power
Dr. Danielle Leek, John’s Hopkins University – Citizenship Rights & Responsibilities
Register Today for the We the People Summer Institute
This is an exceptional opportunity to network with peers, learn from top scholars, and empower your students with deep civic knowledge.
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.
