What does it mean to “Make Civic Learning Come Alive?”

 

The Maine Civics Network hosted a “listening tour” in November 2023 consisting of three regional gatherings of frontline educators from nine different school districts to examine the nature and needs of civics education in Maine. Twenty-one teachers representing grades 5-12 and diverse content areas participated in a facilitated process in which they a) examined their own efforts to innovate; b) identified significant aspects of more effective civics learning and teaching; c) specified opportunities and challenges facing Maine schools in putting such aspects into practice; and d) discussed how a Maine Civics Network could support them and their colleagues.

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We heard that Maine teachers are eager to rejuvenate the teaching of civic responsibility.  Participants identified five key aspects of this work:

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• developing civic skills;

• examining real world matters;

• making civics learning hands-on;

• generating agency, hope, & connection in students; and

• building democratic structures in classrooms and schools.

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