Democracy and Public Policy Network at BGSU seeking K-12 teachers to participate in new program aimed at bolstering American history, civics education in Ohio schools

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Furthering its mission of promoting civil discourse and informed citizenship, the Democracy and Public Policy Network at Bowling Green State University is seeking K-12 teachers to participate in a new, multi-year program aimed at bolstering American history and civics education in schools across Ohio.

With support from the U.S. Department of Education, the Democracy and Public Policy Network’s CIVICs 250 Scholars Program will provide nonpartisan education and professional development opportunities to up to 40 Ohio teachers each year for the next three years to enhance history and civics instruction in their respective districts. Applications for the program's first cohort are open through Jan. 28.

As part of the program, the Democracy and Public Policy Network will establish learning communities among Ohio K-12 teachers to develop lessons and resources focused on the nation's foundational principles, including the ideas, traditions and institutions essential to understanding American government and history. Teachings will also focus on America's founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the anti-Federalist Papers, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and more. Each program will culminate in a one-week summer seminar on the BGSU campus to help teachers further hone their lessons and skills.

In addition to providing participants with six continuing education units – or CEUs – the CIVICS 250 Scholars Program will also offer selected teachers a $500 stipend upon successful completion of the program along with a $100 travel stipend.

“We are thrilled to offer such a unique opportunity for teachers across Ohio and are grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for its support of this initiative at BGSU to advance nonpartisan American history and civics education in our schools,” said Robert Alexander, Ph.D., professor of political science at BGSU and founding director of the Democracy and Public Policy Network. “As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, this program will serve as an opportunity to advance Ohio’s teacher and student understanding of the democratic principles and values that have helped shape the United States into the country it is today.”

BGSU will also provide participants with opportunities to take part in its signature community conversations and events, including the upcoming Day of Dialogue on Feb. 19, featuring Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy and Justice Jennifer Brunner.

Panels during the February event will focus on topics related to the country’s 250th anniversary and primary documents such as the Declaration of Independence and Federalist #10.

For more information and to apply for the program, visit BGSU.edu/depo and navigate to the CIVICs 250 Scholars tab.