January Newsletter
Issue 20
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
Southside Middle School Students Witness Historic Governor’s Inauguration
On January 13, 2025, a group of 20 students from Southside Middle School had the unforgettable experience of attending the inauguration of Indiana’s 52nd governor, Republican Mike Braun. The students, along with their teachers, witnessed history as 
Governor Braun took the oath of office at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis, using both his family Bible and the inaugural Bible of Hoosier President Benjamin Harrison.
The event, attended by prominent leaders such as outgoing Governor Eric Holcomb, former Governor Evan Bayh, and U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks, highlighted Indiana’s rich history and its path forward. Governor Braun’s speech, titled “The Crossroads of Freedom and Opportunity,” reflected on Indiana’s settler roots and charted an optimistic vision for the state’s future. He emphasized the entrepreneurial spirit of Hoosiers and called for bold action in education, healthcare, and governance.
Following the inauguration, the students enjoyed lunch at Buca di Beppo, thanks to support from the CREATE project, before heading to the Indiana State House. There, they met with Senator Alexander and Representative Errington, giving them a chance to see democracy in action and engage in meaningful discussions about public service and civic responsibility.
Mr. Jeff Veatch, Southside’s 8th-grade social studies teacher, praised the day as “a powerful opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.” He emphasized the importance of showing students the practical side of civic engagement.
Dr. Roof noted, “This field trip embodies the mission of CREATE—to foster civic learning and provide students with opportunities to witness and engage with our democratic processes.”
Southside’s principal, Michael P. Raters, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort between Southside and CREATE to make this enriching experience possible. He highlighted how events like this inspire students to see themselves as future leaders and active participants in their communities.
Photos from the event, featuring the students at the inauguration and their visit to the State House, will be shared in upcoming CREATE communications. This field trip is a testament to the power of experiential learning and the vital role of partnerships in enhancing civic education for all students.
As Governor Braun said in his inaugural address, “At this crossroads, we face clear choices. Let us be the risk-takers and trailblazers that Hoosiers deserve in leadership.” Thanks to the CREATE project and Southside Middle School, these students are well on their way to embracing those challenges and shaping Indiana’s future.
“Appeals on Wheels” Brings Civics Education to Muncie Students
On December 2, the Indiana Court of Appeals brought its Appeals on Wheels program to Muncie, hosting a special session of oral arguments for approximately 200 students from Muncie Central, Burris Laboratory School, Wapahani, and Delta High Schools. The event, designed to promote civic education and engagement, gave students a front-row seat to the judicial process.
The case, presented by the Court of Appeals, was argued before Judges Melissa May, Nancy Vaidik, and another appellate judge in a makeshift courtroom. Following the oral arguments, students had the opportunity to engage directly with the justices during a Q&A session, asking thoughtful questions about the judiciary and legal careers.
Afterward, the learning continued over lunch, where students dined with the justices, attorneys, and local leaders, including Mayor Dan Ridenour, Senator Alexander, and Delaware County Judge Doug Mawhorr. This informal setting allowed students to gain deeper insights into the workings of the legal system and explore potential career pathways.
The Appeals on Wheels program has a long history of connecting communities with the appellate process, demystifying what happens at higher court levels. Judge Nancy Vaidik emphasized the importance of bringing the judiciary to the people:
“We are not the ivory tower that they might have an impression of. We’re there, having real arguments and doing our job in front of them.”
By traveling to schools, colleges, and community venues, the program reaches Hoosiers who might not otherwise have the opportunity to witness the judicial system in action. For students, these experiences are transformative, offering a unique perspective on government and the rule of law.
Events like these serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of civic education in fostering informed and engaged citizens. For Muncie students, the experience not only illuminated the judiciary’s role in governance but also encouraged them to think critically about their own responsibilities as future leaders in their communities.
The CREATE project celebrates this initiative for advancing civic learning and inspiring the next generation of engaged citizens.
SEEEEEEE
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.
