April Newsletter
Issue 23
I. CREATE News and Updates
- Muncie Central High School Students Explore the Indiana Statehouse
- 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
Muncie Central Students Explore the Indiana Statehouse
On a recent spring day this past April, students from Muncie Central High School, under the guidance of teacher Julie Snider, embarked on an immersive civic education experience at the Indiana Statehouse. This visit provided students with a firsthand look at the workings of state government, public monuments, and the role of civic institutions in democratic life.
The day began in the historic chambers of the Indiana General Assembly, where students were invited to sit in the seats of lawmakers, sparking meaningful reflection and engagement. Surrounded by wood-paneled walls and the emblems of state authority, students listened attentively, asked questions, and took in the grandeur of a building that has witnessed over a century of policymaking. The interactive environment encouraged students to consider their role in shaping their communities, deepening their understanding of representative democracy.
Julie Snider, a long-time social studies educator and advocate for civic engagement at Muncie Central, emphasized the value of bringing students beyond the classroom walls:
“Trips like these give students a deeper understanding of how government works and—more importantly—how they can be part of it. They walk away with a stronger sense of agency and connection to their state.” Following their time inside the Statehouse, students gathered at the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Monument Circle for a group photo, symbolizing the connection between past and present struggles for freedom, civic service, and democratic ideals. This powerful visual reminder of Indiana’s legacy complemented the students’ lessons on civic responsibility and historical consciousness.
The trip concluded with a group gathering in the grand rotunda of the Statehouse, where nearly 70 students, chaperones, and educators posed on the marble staircase, visibly energized by the day’s experience. Smiles and a clear sense of camaraderie underscored how civic learning, when paired with hands-on experience, can ignite an interest in public life.
This visit reflects the larger goals of the CREATE project, to enrich civic education in Muncie Community Schools. Student field trips to government institutions and heritage sites are designed to “transcend typical educational boundaries,” offering “a learning experience that ingrains a deeper understanding of civic processes”
From meeting lawmakers and sitting in legislative chambers to exploring civic monuments and engaging with Indiana’s civic heritage, the visit served as a powerful example of how civic learning can be transformative. With teachers like Julie Snider leading the way, students at Muncie Central are not just learning about democracy—they are living it.
Civics Day 2025 is This Friday: Volunteers and Donations Still Welcome
We are excited to announce that Civics Day 2025 at Muncie Central High School is happening this Friday, May 2, 2025! Organized by star teacher Julie 
Snider and an amazing committee of educators, Civics Day promises a powerful day of learning, leadership, and community service for hundreds of Muncie Central students.
From leadership workshops and self-defense demonstrations to dialogue with elected officials and hands-on service projects, Civics Day offers students a unique opportunity to engage in real-world civic learning. Guest speaker Brandon Hayes will also inspire students with his powerful story of perseverance and advocacy.
We can use volunteers, as well as donations of bottled water and snacks to help keep our students energized throughout the day.
If you would like to volunteer, donate, or support the event in any way, please reach out to the Civics Day team.
Applications Open for the 2025 Summer Civic Learning Academy
https://bsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2s2ASgO4dilT9QO
Muncie Community Schools and Ball State University 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
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: 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 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.
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.
