US History: A New Approach to Teaching the Reconstruction Era | Facing History & Ourselves
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Professional Learning

US History: A New Approach to Teaching the Reconstruction Era

Join us to learn a new approach to teaching the Reconstruction era in a way that connects this history to American identity and student’s own lives and the choices they make today. This workshop is now full, applications are closed.

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Chicago, IL

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About this event:

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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.

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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 ISBE (Illinois).

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Civics & Citizenship English & Language Arts History Social Studies
Democracy & Civic Engagement Human & Civil Rights Racism Resistance
Civic Education Social-Emotional Learning

In this two-day workshop educators will:

  1. Explore a unit of study, built on the Facing History methodology, that focuses on the Reconstruction era of American history and the challenges of creating a just democracy in a time of deep division

  2. Use historical and contemporary examples to develop students’ understanding of Reconstruction’s legacy and the importance of presenting an accurate account of this era

  3. Use new teaching strategies that help students interrogate texts, write and think critically, and discuss controversial issues respectfully

  4. Engage with classroom-ready multimedia resources and learn how to build a customized unit that meets your curriculum objectives

  5. Learn how to facilitate respectful classroom discussions on difficult issues such as racism, bigotry, and other forms of exclusion in a way that invites personal reflection and critical analysis

This workshop is now full, applications are closed.

How does society rebuild after extraordinary division and trauma, when the ideals and values of democracy are most vulnerable? The Reconstruction era, most commonly viewed as the period from 1865 to 1877, was a monumental struggle for freedom and democracy in the face of violent backlash. The study of the Reconstruction era in American history is essential to an understanding of citizenship and democracy in the United States today. You will learn to teach about the Reconstruction era using an approach that helps students connect this history to their own lives and the choices they make today. 

Facing History and Ourselves’ professional learning, resources, and inquiry approach help teachers consider how to address the requirements of the Illinois Teaching Inclusive History Instructional Mandates. Our content supports teachers to create classrooms where students engage in deep exploration of primary sources, teach history as a dynamic collection of many voices and to consider connections between history to today.

Who should take the course? 6th–12th grade US history, civics, humanities, Ethnic Studies, and African American History teachers and curriculum specialists; Chicago Public Schools high school US History teachers (Skyline unit)

ISBE credits will be offered 

Breakfast and lunch will be provided, vegetarian options will be included.

This workshop will be held two days, December 12-13, in-person at the Erikson Institute.
Address: 451 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 6065

Certificate of Completion

If you are an educator based in Illinois, you may be eligible for up to 12 clock hours upon completion of this workshop.

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