December Newsletter
Issue 19
I. CREATE News and Updates
- Celebrating Indiana’s History with East Washington Academy
- CREATE 2024: A Year in Review
- Teacher Spotlight: Andrea Streaty of Longfellow Elementary
- Celebrating Excellence in Civic Education
II. Opportunities for Teachers and Students
- Paid Professional Development: Developing Religious Literacy
- Introducing the Civic Badge Program
IV. Featured Resource
- Institute for Curriculum Services
- Encourage Students to Apply for the Indiana Senate Page Program
CREATE News and Updates
Celebrating Indiana History with East Washington Academy
The excitement was palpable as Heather Veatch’s fourth-grade class from East Washington Academy embarked on a field trip -supported by CREATE- to the Indiana State Museum in downtown Indianapolis. The occasion? Indiana’s 
Statehood Day, an annual celebration honoring the state’s admission to the Union on December 11, 1816. For these bright young students, the experience was not just an educational excursion but a celebration of their connection to Indiana’s rich history and culture.
A Journey Through Indiana’s Heritage
This year’s visit to the Indiana State Museum was filled with discovery, learning, and hands-on experiences. Having recently completed a research project and a Living Wax Museum presentation on famous Hoosiers, the students were thrilled to encounter exhibits featuring their chosen historical figures. Spotting their “famous Hoosiers” in the museum’s galleries brought their 
classroom lessons to life in a deeply personal and exciting way. The students proudly posed for photos next to the exhibits, creating lasting memories and reinforcing their connection to Indiana’s legacy.
The students also had the opportunity to witness the winners of the Statehood Day Essay Contest present their award-winning pieces. Hearing their peers articulate thoughtful reflections on what Indiana means to them inspired the young attendees to think critically about their own connections to the state. The essay contest, supported by the Indiana Center for the Book, encourages students to explore their identity as Hoosiers and take pride in Indiana’s contributions to history.
A Close-Up with Civic Leaders
Adding to the day’s excitement, the students engaged with representatives from Indiana’s executive and judicial branches of government. These interactions provided a first hand look into the workings of state governance and underscored the importance of civic engagement. For many students, hearing directly from government officials brought new understanding and appreciation for the roles of leadership and responsibility in a democracy.
A New Adventure
For these fourth graders, even the journey itself was an adventure. Riding a charter bus was a first-time experience for many, and the excitement of traveling in style added a layer of joy to 
the day. The trip became not only an opportunity to explore history but also a chance to bond with classmates and create shared memories.
Indiana’s Statehood Day
Each year, Indiana’s Statehood Day offers a unique opportunity for students across the state to celebrate Indiana’s birthday through interactive programs, educational activities, and historical reflections. Events are held at four key locations, including the Indiana State Museum, where students can immerse themselves in the state’s vibrant past. Guest speakers from state government, the reading of winning essays, and interactive exhibits ensure that each child leaves with a deeper appreciation for Indiana’s story.
For Heather Veatch, the field trip is a tradition for her class. “This trip is always a highlight of the year,” she shared. “The students loved exploring the museum and making connections to what they’ve learned in class. It’s a memorable experience that brings Indiana’s history to life for them.” We applaud Ms. Veatch and all the MCS teacher who go above and beyond to create unique opportunities for our students.
CREATE 2024: A Year in Review
CREATE is now in its third year, and has delivered results in civic education in Indiana. Anchored in a commitment to empower educators and students, CREATE’s 2024 milestones reflect our dedication to fostering civic literacy and active engagement in schools and communities.
Key Highlights of 2024
- Professional Development Success: CREATE engaged 158 new teachers, surpassing its annual goal. MCS teachers completed a remarkable 3,950 hours of professional development
- Civic Badge Program Launch: This initiative recognizes teachers excelling in fostering democratic values, establishing a benchmark for excellence in civic education.
- Student Achievements: Muncie Community Schools (MCS) students made waves in statewide and national civics competitions, with notable placements in the National Civics Bee and ‘We the People’ contest.
Signature Events
Summer Civic Learning Academy – Teachers from MCS schools attended immersive workshops focused on innovative civic teaching strategies. Knowledge gains were significant, with confidence in teaching sensitive topics seeing an impressive 1.01-point increase.
2024 Civic Learning Symposium – This event, themed “Education, Dialogue, and Deliberation in Our Democracy,” brought together hundreds of educators and thought leaders, 
featuring keynote addresses by Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III and Harry Boyte. The symposium emphasized collaboration, fostering a statewide network of civic-minded educators.
Senate Bill 211: Excellence in Civic Engagement Designation – CREATE played a role in drafting and advocating for this bill, which introduces a civic engagement designation for Indiana schools and high school students who demonstrate excellence. This legislation underscores CREATE’s impact in shaping civics across our state.
Innovative Partnerships – Collaborations with the Indiana organizations amplified CREATE’s impact. These partnerships extended resources and strategies across schools, ensuring sustainability and broader adoption of effective civic education practices.
Looking Forward
CREATE’s focus for the coming year includes scaling its professional development programs, expanding the Civic Badge initiative, and deepening its partnerships. Additional field trips and innovative curriculum resources are planned to further integrate civic learning into classrooms.
Teacher Spotlight: Andrea Streaty of Longfellow Elementary
Longfellow Elementary School, in Muncie, Indiana, serves a diverse student body of 324 children from Pre-K through fifth grade. With a mission to meet the needs of every student, Longfellow fosters an environment where excellence is the expectation. The school’s dedication is reflected in its committed staff of 
23 full-time teachers and one full-time school counselor. Despite challenges — Longfellow continues to support students in reaching their potential.
One teacher who exemplifies this commitment is Andrea Streaty. With a rich personal history, Andrea’s family legacy in education dates back to her ancestors, the first freed slave in her family lineage, became a teacher. “This legacy inspires me to ensure that our students understand their role and importance in the community,” she explains. Her work at Longfellow reflects her dedication to helping students develop both academically and as valued members of society. “Although I believe in academics, the development of values that make them productive members of society is everything,” Andrea says passionately.
Andrea participated in CREATE’s Summer Civic Learning Academy (SCLA). She found the sessions valuable, gaining tools and insights to integrate civics, 
government, and history into her elementary classroom. “The speakers shared valuable ideas on how to incorporate civics, government, and history within our elementary classrooms. They also provided us with community resources, games, and books that can be used to enhance our lessons,” Andrea reflects. She highly recommends these sessions to other educators looking to enrich their teaching.
Andrea is also quick to acknowledge the value of the strong partnership between Longfellow Elementary and Ball State, which has provided professional development and resources that enhance her teaching practice. “The support and professional development opportunities provided through their partnership with Ball State have been amazing,” she notes.
As Longfellow Elementary continues its mission to nurture every student, teachers like Andrea Streaty are pivotal in fostering a culture of learning, growth, and community engagement. Her dedication to her students and her passion for teaching serve as a source of inspiration, ensuring that Longfellow students are able to rise to overcome challenges and excel in and out of the classroom.
Celebrating Excellence in Civic Education
The Indiana Bar Foundation‘s We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program recently celebrated another year of inspiring civic leadership and academic excellence. On December 11, 2024, Plainfield High School earned the top spot at the state championship held at the Historic Crowne Plaza Union 
Station in Indianapolis. Competing against some of Indiana’s best, Fishers High School took second place, while Hamilton Southeastern High School secured third.
Charles Dunlap, President & CEO of the Indiana Bar Foundation, remarked: “Congratulations to our state champions and to all 250 students who competed in today’s finals. We are deeply grateful to the teachers, administrators, parents, school communities, and volunteer judges who make this program possible. Thanks to their dedication and the generosity of our supporters, the Foundation proudly brings the transformative We the People program to more than 10,000 Indiana students each year.”
Northside Middle School
In November, students from Northside Middle School represented their school with distinction at a We the People competition held at IU Indianapolis. Guided by social studies teacher Nathan Earle, these young scholars tackled simulated congressional hearings with confidence, demonstrating their 
understanding of constitutional principles. One of Northside’s teams placed, showcasing their engagement with American civics.
About the We the People Program
The We the People program, developed by the Center for Civic Education, immerses students in the principles of American constitutional democracy. Through rigorous simulated legislative hearings, students present and defend their positions on historical and contemporary constitutional issues. Aligned with Indiana’s academic standards, the program equips students with essential skills in research, critical thinking, and public speaking.
Looking Ahead
Both Plainfield High School and Fishers High School will represent Indiana at the We the People National Finals from April 9-11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. CREATE celebrates the accomplishments of Indiana’s students, educators, and school communities who are fostering a brighter, civically engaged future. Congratulations to all participants!
II.Opportunities for Teachers and Students
Paid Professional Development: Developing Religious Literacy
We are thrilled to announce a unique professional development opportunity! Mark your calendars for January 22, 2025, 4-5 PM EST, and join us for a session focused on Developing Religious Literacy. This session is designed to empower educators to confidently and effectively 
incorporate the study of religion into their classrooms.
In today’s interconnected world, understanding diverse religious traditions is vital for fostering global citizenship. Grounded in the National Council for the Social Studies’ C3 Supplement on Teaching about Religion, this interactive session will:
- Explore the legal foundations for teaching about religion in the United States
- Examine case studies addressing the challenges of teaching this sensitive yet essential topic
- Provide actionable guidelines and innovative digital tools for integrating religious literacy into your curriculum
This session is tailored to educators who are eager to expand their content knowledge and instructional strategies, to ensure that students gain a deeper appreciation of cultural and religious diversity.
Participants will gain access to resources, including:
- Comprehensive DRL Session Materials: Free, high-quality resources curated by the Institute for Curriculum Services (ICS) to support your classroom instruction.
- Additional Standards-Aligned Tools: Practical materials rooted in primary sources to enhance your teaching about religious and cultural history.
These resources will be shared during the session and can also be accessed anytime on the ICS website.
Secure your spot today: Register Here
Take advantage of this professional development opportunity to enhance your teaching and equip your students with the critical skills they need to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world.
We look forward to seeing you on January 22!
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 thoroughness of their application, the impact of their civic education initiatives, and their demonstrated commitment to fostering civic engagement among students.
Recognition: Award recipients will be recognized at the annual Civic Learning Symposium.
IV.Featured Resources
Institute for Curriculum Services
The Institute for Curriculum Services (ICS) is dedicated to enhancing the quality and accuracy of K-12 instruction about Jews, Judaism, and Jewish history. By creating standards-aligned curricula and offering professional development for educators 
nationwide, ICS fosters a better understanding of Jewish history and culture. At its core, ICS believes that an excellent education is foundational for building a strong civil society where all individuals can thrive.
Founded in 2005, ICS began its work by addressing inaccuracies in public school textbooks. These inaccuracies ranged from misrepresenting Jewish holidays to the perpetuation of supersessionism—the notion that Judaism became obsolete with the birth of Christianity. In 2017, ICS expanded its mission to include professional development opportunities, equipping educators to engage with these complex topics in ways that inspire understanding and respect.
ICS offers a variety of professional learning opportunities to meet educators’ diverse needs, including:
- Live Zoom Workshops: Interactive sessions led by experts.
- Asynchronous Online Courses: Flexible, self-paced learning options.
- Custom School and District Programs: Tailored workshops for unique educational contexts.
Sessions provide educators with content knowledge and classroom-ready resources that are practical and aligned with state and national standards.
Resource Highlights
ICS has curated a collection of teaching materials covering topics such as: Developing Religious Literacy or tools for understanding and teaching the religious and cultural dynamics that shape history and society.
ICS also offers free monthly Live Virtual Workshops, open to all education professionals. These sessions are aligned with educational standards and incorporate primary sources to enrich instruction.
Encourage Students to Apply for the Indiana Senate Page Program
The Indiana Senate has officially opened applications for the 2025 Senate Page Program! Beginning December 1, 2024, students in grades six through twelve can apply to participate in this engaging, full-day program that offers an up-close look at Indiana’s legislative process.
Through the Senate Page Program, students have the opportunity to:
Tour the Indiana Statehouse; Observe legislative debates; Assist Senate staff with age-appropriate tasks; Meet state senators and learn about their work.
“Meeting Senate Pages from our area is one of my favorite parts of the legislative session,” said Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville). “Our program gives students the chance to get an up-close look at the legislative process and interact with elected officials, and I hope to see many local students take advantage of this unique learning opportunity again this year.”
Program Details
The Senate Page Program begins in January 2025 and runs through early April. Pages serve on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with groups scheduled on Wednesdays.
- Program Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Indiana Statehouse, Indianapolis.
- School Excused Absence: Indiana law permits participating students to receive an excused absence for their service.
Positions are limited and fill quickly, so early applications are encouraged.
How to Apply
To apply, Click Here.
Students can select their preferred paging day when completing the application. Once the application is submitted, the Senate Page Office will confirm the date and provide required participation forms. This is an incredible opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of government, engage with civic leaders, and witness the legislative process in action. We encourage teachers, parents, and schools to share this with students who have a passion for civics and leadership.
For more information, contact the Senate Page Office or visit the program website.
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.
