Teaching Democracy and Freedom 2025 Summer Seminar
About this event:
Multi-Session
Our multi-session professional learning series are designed for in-depth exploration of themes and topics that help educators strengthen their skills and competencies. Session information is included in the event details.
Instructor-Led
This professional learning event will be led by Facing History staff. When you register, you will receive instructions for how to attend the event.
This event qualifies for Certificate of Completion.
See Details
Key Points
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Registration will close on July 7th, 2025.
Facing History’s approach to teaching US history emphasizes students’ capacity for civic agency and develops the historical inquiry skills students need to generate more nuanced understandings of the struggle for democracy and freedom throughout US History. Through this curated set of US History units and C3-style inquiries, students explore how progress towards greater freedom, equality, and justice are not inevitable, but a result of choices that people make.
By the end of this seminar, you will be able to:
- Experience a Facing History approach to teaching US History through hands-on activities and exploration of voices not often included in textbooks
- Engage with C3-style inquiry units that explore the relationship between democracy and freedom during the Founding Era, the Reconstruction Era, and at Angel Island Immigration Station
- Collaborate with other educators to discuss how to analyze history and its connection to today through a critical and ethical lens
- Use resources and teaching strategies to help students develop the capacity for civic participation and an understanding that democracy can only remain vital through the active, thoughtful, and responsible participation of its citizens
Taking place over three days, this seminar offers a real-time, interactive online classroom where participants will connect in facilitated whole- and small-group sessions.
Seminar At-a-Glance Details
Who should take this seminar: 7th–12th grade US history teachers and curriculum specialists
Cost: There is a non-refundable $25 registration fee due once your application has been accepted. The full event fee for this seminar has been waived thanks to generous funding from Facing History & Ourselves donors and partner organizations.
Schedule: Tuesday, July 15 – Thursday, July 17, 2025:
- Tuesday, July 15: 11:30 AM – 4 PM ET (convert to your time zone)
- Wednesday, July 16: 11:30 AM – 4 PM ET (convert to your time zone)
- Thursday, July 17: 11:30 AM – 4 PM ET (convert to your time zone)
Time Commitment: Approximately 4.5 hours per day (plus some breaks).
Format: Facilitated Zoom meetings with session materials in Canvas. This interactive meeting will include conversation and breakout sessions.
Accessibility: Facing History is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for educators of all abilities. If you have an accessibility need, please contact us at support [at] facinghistory.org. If possible, requests should be made at least two weeks in advance. Please note: we will make every effort to secure services, but all are subject to availability.
Certificate of Completion
This event qualifies for a Certificate of Completion. At the conclusion of the event, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for 15 hours of attendance. Certificates may be submitted for a school’s or district’s approval towards professional development credits. Requirements for professional development credits vary by state. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure that they are meeting the requirements of their school, organization, and/or state.
In some states you may also be eligible for professional development credit. If you are from IL, MA, NY, or TX contact [email protected] for more information.
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