May Newsletter
Issue 24
I. CREATE News and Updates
- Civics Day 2025: Empowering Muncie Central High School
- North View Elementary’s Conner Prairie Adventure
- Longfellow Elementary Steps Into History at Conner Prairie
- Teacher Spotlight: Megan Jercha
- Student Civic Growth Across Muncie Community Schools
II. Opportunities for Teachers and Students
- CREATE’s Civic Badge Program
- 2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy
IV. Featured Resources
- Teaching Civic Courage with Primary Sources — The Legacy of April 4, 1968
- We the People Summer Institute – Free Professional Development for Civics Teachers
CREATE News and Updates
Civics Day 2025: Empowering Muncie Central High School
On May 2, 2025, Muncie Central High School transformed into a 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 with a better understanding of their roles as active, responsible citizens. Civics Day 2025 was a celebration of civic learning, leadership, and community impact.
Looking ahead, CREATE will look to continue to support civic learning experiences for teachers and students across Muncie Community Schools and beyond. 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 happy as well, seeing their students bring their lessons to life.
Nancy Zachary and the North View kindergarten team expressed their gratitude for the CREATE’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 learning opportunities like this, we are reminded of the power of experiential education for young learners. We look forward to more stories of discovery and growth.
Longfellow Elementary Steps Into History at Conner Prairie
On May 22, 2025, third graders from Longfellow Elementary School traveled back in time—without leaving Indiana.
With the support of CREATE, nearly 100 students and a dozen teachers and 
chaperones visited Conner Prairie, Indiana’s premier living history museum. The visit was perfectly timed: the students had just completed a social studies unit on colonial America.
Their excitement was immediate. From the moment they arrived, students were immersed in hands-on history—stirring butter, examining tools from the 1800s, and petting sheep, goats, and cows on the working farm. “They were amazed that kids their age once did chores like milking cows or spinning wool,” said Andrea Streaty, third-grade teacher at Longfellow. “This kind of experiential learning really sticks with them.”
One highlight was Conner Prairie’s new African American history exhibit, which introduces students to Black Hoosier experiences through storytelling and 
Students explored the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of African Americans in Indiana’s early years—connecting local history to broader civic themes of equity and inclusion. “It was powerful to see our students reflect on what freedom meant in different periods of history,” said Ms. Streaty.
Animal Encounters and science-based learning stations also captivated students, many of whom had never visited a museum of this kind. Activities ranged from learning how pioneers cooked over an open fire to trying out early American games, creating a memorable, multisensory connection to the curriculum.
Supported by CREATE this field experience exemplifies the program’s goal: providing access to place-based, civic-rich learning opportunities that expand students’ understanding of democracy, responsibility, and community.
Special thanks to the staff at Conner Prairie for hosting our students—and to Ms. Streaty and the Longfellow team for their dedication to meaningful, civic-centered education. “Thank you so much for making this trip possible,” Ms. Streaty added. “Our students will remember this day for a long time.”
Teacher Spotlight: Megan Jercha
For Megan Jercha, teaching has always been more than just a profession, it’s been a lifelong passion. From a young age, she found joy in playing “school” with her cousins, a passion further fueled by her aunt, an elementary teacher who inspired Megan to follow in her footsteps. This early love for teaching 
blossomed into a dedicated career, enriched by a unique vocational program during high school that allowed her to work at a local elementary school. That experience solidified her commitment to education and set her on the path to becoming the impactful teacher she is today.
Reflecting on her journey, Megan emphasizes the importance of her colleagues, past and present, who have been her biggest cheerleaders. Their unwavering support has pushed her to continuously grow as an educator. “I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for them,” she shares.
Creating Impact Through the CREATE Project
Megan’s dedication to professional growth is evident in her active participation in the CREATE Summer Civics Learning Academy (SCLA). The experience provided her with invaluable resources, instructional tools, and networking opportunities, which she has seamlessly integrated into her 
classroom. Megan continues to stay engaged with CREATE through monthly Zoom sessions, where guest speakers share insights on civics education from around the country. These sessions have kept her connected to new ideas, programs, and best practices in civic learning.
Advice for Fellow Educators
For educators seeking to enhance civic education in their classrooms, Megan offers practical advice: start simple. “My students needed to start at a very basic level and build up from there,” she explains. Megan also encourages teachers to explore local resources and organizations, many of which she discovered right in Muncie. Simple changes, such as adding posters, infographics, and maps to her classroom, have made a significant impact on her students’ engagement and understanding.
A Passion for Teaching, A Commitment to Growth
Megan Jercha’s journey reflects the power of continuous learning and the influence of a strong support network. Her dedication to her students, her willingness to embrace new opportunities, and her commitment to civic education make her an inspiration to other educators. We are proud to spotlight Megan as a shining example of excellence in teaching and civic engagement.
Student Civic Growth Across Muncie Community Schools
CREATE is celebrating progress in civic education this spring, as new data from Spring 2025 assessments show significant gains in both civic content knowledge and student dispositions across all grade bands.
Annual Civic Learning Symposium, Teachers College, Student Center, CREATE
According to the latest evaluation, elementary students led the way, with average civic content scores jumping from 64% at baseline to 75%—an 11-point gain that surpassed project benchmarks. Middle and high school students also demonstrated impressive improvement. Middle schoolers increased by 6 points, reaching 72%, while high school students climbed from 62% to 70%, an 8-point rise.
These findings reflect a consistent upward trend across the board and affirm the value of CREATE’s professional development, curriculum integration, and student-facing civic learning opportunities.
“These numbers are more than statistics—they show that our students are thinking critically about democracy and their role in it,” said David Roof, Principal Investigator of CREATE.
CREATE’s civic content assessments, aligned with the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and with Indiana Academic Standards, measure understanding in areas such as democratic principles, constitutional knowledge, and government functions. The 2025 results represent the culmination of focused instructional support, inquiry-based teaching, and classroom activities that bring civics to life.
In addition to content knowledge, students also showed growth in civic dispositions—the attitudes and values that support democratic participation. Based on a multi-year tracking study from 2023 to 2025, disposition scores among middle and high school students steadily rose from a baseline average of 2.95 to 3.06 by Spring 2025 on a 4-point scale. These gains, while more modest, are significant and point to increasing civic confidence, agency, and engagement.
Data highlights from 2025 include:
- Elementary students: Median civic knowledge rose from 39% to 78%.
- Grade 8 students: Median scores reached 83%, the highest across all levels.
- 85% of high school students agreed they could make a difference in their community.
- 80% said they planned to register to vote when eligible.
These results demonstrate MCS teacher’s impact—not only equipping students with civic knowledge but also nurturing the mindset to use it.
With 249 teacher PD engagements this year alone and over 7,000 professional development hours logged since the project’s inception, the civic learning ecosystem across Muncie Community Schools continues to thrive.
As CREATE enters its final year, these gains point toward a strong legacy, one grounded in equitable access to civic education and a renewed culture of engagement for students, educators, and the wider community.
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
Teaching Civic Courage, The Legacy of April 4, 1968
As we prepare for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State is proud to launch a 
new professional learning opportunity for educators: With Compassion Toward One Another: Preparing for the Challenge of Civic Unity Through the Legacy of Kennedy and King.
Funded by the Library of Congress through its Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program, this initiative helps educators teach civic values, courage, and public service by engaging deeply with one of the most consequential days in American history: April 4, 1968.
That afternoon, Senator Robert F. Kennedy delivered a scheduled campaign speech at Ball State University. Just hours later, he would deliver an 
extemporaneous eulogy in Indianapolis after learning of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. In a moment of national grief, Kennedy spoke without notes from the back of a flatbed truck, urging calm, compassion, and unity:
“What we need in the United States is not division… not hatred… not violence or lawlessness, but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another.” This initiative uses those words—and the legacies of Kennedy and Dr. King, as the foundation for a three-phase professional development model:
Phase 1: Preparation (June 2025) Educators will complete a virtual orientation and receive access to curated primary source archives, including RFK’s speeches, King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, and civil rights-era photographs and documents from the Library of Congress and Indiana Historical Society.
Phase 2: Summer Institute (July 28–30, 2025) This three-day immersive workshop at Ball State will explore civic memory, ethical leadership, and inquiry-based instruction. Highlights include:
- A screening of A Ripple of Hope with discussion
- Hands-on training using the TPS Inquiry Design Model
- Collaborative lesson planning and service-learning design
Phase 3: Implementation (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026) Educators will pilot their lessons, engage in peer reflection, and share student stories connected to civic themes, MLK Day, and 9/11 Days of Service. Final lessons and impact stories will be shared nationally through CECL and America250 networks.
Why It Matters
“This project brings together some of the most powerful lessons in American history,” said David Roof. “Our goal is to equip educators to help students engage deeply with the legacies of King and Kennedy—and apply those lessons to today’s challenges.”
Amid rising polarization and civic disengagement, this project offers a timely reminder of the importance of compassion, democratic dialogue, and moral leadership.
Apply Now
Participation is open to U.S. history, civics, and social studies teachers. Selected educators will receive a $600 stipend, classroom resources, and access to a growing network of civics educators.
We are grateful to the Library of Congress TPS Midwest Region and our partners at the Indiana Historical Society and Ball State Libraries for supporting this project. Together, we’re ensuring that the voices of Kennedy and King continue to inspire a new generation of civic leaders.
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.
