Better Conversations Together for K-12 American History and Civics Professional Development
Interest and Registration Form
July 7-8, 2026
James Madison's Montpelier, Orange, VA
The Madison Center along with the National Issues Forums Institute and James Madison's Montpelier are thrilled to offer K-12 teachers in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and West Virginia an opportunity to deepen their skills in using civic discourse to teach American history and civics during America's 250th.
High-quality professional development is essential to strong civic education. Research consistently shows that professional learning experiences that are sustained, content-focused, and collaborative lead to meaningful improvements in teaching practice and student learning outcomes. Our Summer Deliberative Professional Development Workshop is designed with these evidence-based principles in mind, bringing together teachers, historians, and civic education specialists for an immersive learning experience that equips educators to foster thoughtful civic engagement in their classrooms. Participants will join a vibrant community of educators committed to strengthening students’ understanding of democratic principles and preparing them to engage in civic life.
The workshop provides hands-on training in deliberation facilitation. Teachers will learn structured strategies unique to their grade level for guiding productive classroom discussions about complex and often controversial topics. Drawing on well-established deliberative pedagogy, participants will practice framing public issues, moderating respectful dialogue, and creating classroom environments where students can engage with multiple perspectives while developing critical thinking and civic reasoning skills.
Finally, educators will gain practical experience in the application of National Issues Forums Institute issue guides. Through collaborative workshops and simulated classroom activities, participants will learn how to implement and adapt these updated guides for a variety of classroom settings. The goal is to ensure teachers leave with ready-to-use tools and the confidence to facilitate meaningful student deliberations on public issues.
Travel and implementation stipends:
Teachers attending the in-person seminar will be eligible for travel stipends, with a portion reserved for educators working in schools serving underserved populations, as well as implementation stipends to support classroom use of the materials after the workshop. Together, these supports ensure teachers can bring what they learn directly back to their students and school communities.
Agenda Outline
Tuesday July 7, 2026
11:30-12:00pm: Arrive, pick up name badge and materials
12:00-1:00pm: Introductions, getting to know you, and agenda review
1:00-1:30pm: Experience deliberating “1776: What Should We Do?”
1:30-1:45pm: BREAK with snacks
1:45-3:30pm: Tour of Madison’s house
3:30-3:45pm: BREAK with snacks
3:45-4:30pm: Debrief deliberation and hour tour experience; foundations of deliberative pedagogy for K-12 classrooms workshop
4:30-5:00: BREAK
5:00-6:00pm: Exploring the deliberation materials workshop
6:00-8:00pm Dinner and conversation on the portico
Wednesday July 8, 2026
7-8:00am: Optional sunrise/pre-breakfast woods walk and tour of Madison family cemetery
8:00-8:30am: Breakfast
8:30-10:00am: Bill of Rights tour on the landscape
10:00-10:15am: Break
10:15-12:00pm: Deliberating “What’s Next America?” and debrief
12:00-12:30pm: LUNCH and lecture: James Madison and the 250th
12:30-1:45pm: Skills for facilitating civic discourse and historic decisions workshop
1:45-2:00pm BREAK with snacks
2:00-3:30pm: Practice and skill building facilitating in small groups
3:30-4:00pm: Conclusion – assessment, PLC overview
