PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 30, 2025) - Today, the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy, in partnership with the National Constitution Center and the Organization of American Historians, announced details for a forthcoming weeklong educator intensive. Open to social studies educators who currently work in sixth–12th grade classrooms, the Philadelphia-based workshop is geared toward those educators with an interest in learning more about the history of the U.S. Constitution.
“It’s an honor to partner with the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute and the Organization of American Historians to provide this timely and unique opportunity to educators dedicated to bringing the Constitution to their classrooms,” said Julie Silverbrook, NCC vice president of Civic Education. “The need for high-quality and empowering professional learning that builds skills, confidence and strengthens practice in teaching about the U.S. Constitution is imperative.”
“Justice O’Connor would be so pleased with this important collaboration and learning opportunity for educators,” said Sarah Suggs, president and CEO of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy. “As the Justice stated, ‘I’ve seen first-hand how vital it is for all citizens to understand our Constitution and unique system of government… .’ It is the hope of the O’Connor Institute that participants will return to their schools with deeper knowledge and greater inspiration to teach their students about our nation’s most important founding document.”
“This summer seminar will probe the origins and historical development of the United States Constitution as we examine carefully the text, the many amendments, numerous Supreme Court decisions, and the remaking of the Constitution in the wake of the Civil War,” said David W. Blight, Sterling Professor, Yale University and current president of the Organization of American Historians. “It will be foremost a history seminar, while also focusing on competing doctrines over time. Above all, this experience is to enhance the intellectual lives and pedagogical skills of secondary teachers.”
The intensive, hosted at the National Constitution Center on historic Independence Mall in Philadelphia, will take place Sunday, June 22, to Friday, June 27. Programming highlights include a panel discussion with intensive faculty, including Blight, Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen, and Yale Law professor Akhil Amar; a deep-dive into the drafting of the Constitution and the amendments that shaped American history during the Civil War and Reconstruction; discussions with constitutional scholars, legal experts, and historians on the origins of key components of constitutional history and their modern interpretations and relevance today; and the opportunity to explore the Center’s exhibits as well as historic sites and cultural institutions around Historic Philadelphia.
This in-person intensive is open to educators working with grades 6–12 at public, charter, independent, parochial, and other schools. Applications can be found HERE and are due no later than Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Notification regarding application status will be sent by the end of April.
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy will provide a stipend to cover the cost of travel and lodging for all participants, as well as breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on both the opening night and closing night. Ticket costs associated with visiting cultural institutions around Old City Philadelphia will also be covered. All other costs are the responsibility of the participant.
Prior to the intensive, participants will be responsible for pre-reading assignments including book chapters, academic articles, and additional scholarly readings. Participants will also be responsible for completing readings throughout the course of the week, in addition to the schedule of scholar talks, panel discussions, and time at cultural institutions.
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About the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy
Founded in 2009 by retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the O’Connor Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3), continues her distinguished legacy and lifetime work to advance civil discourse, civic engagement, and civics education. The Institute's programs serve individuals of all ages from 50 states and six continents through educational digital platforms and events, as well as original research. The Institute also catalogs the life and work of the first female Supreme Court Justice through the Sandra Day O’Connor Digital Library. Additionally, the Institute is the conservator of her former home, O’Connor House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit OConnorInstitute.org to learn more.
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About the Organization of American Historians
Founded in 1907, the Organization of American Historians is the largest professional society dedicated to the teaching and study of American history, guided by the principles of advocacy, professional integrity, and advancement of scholarship. An international non-profit organization, the OAH represents historians, who are college and university professors, pre-collegiate teachers, archivists, museum curators, public historians, students, and professional historians working in a variety of institutional settings including national parks and historical societies. The mission of the OAH is to promote excellence in the scholarship, teaching, and presentation of U.S. history, to encourage wide discussions of historical questions, and to serve as the leading voice for the equitable treatment of all history practitioners.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
