The National Constitution Center is hosting a free, in-person professional learning workshop at Vermont State University-Castleton on October 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Using the Center’s nonpartisan resources and Educational Framework, participants explore freedom of conscience and the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of speech and religion. They will also examine primary sources, landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, and interactive resources that trace the development and interpretation of the First Amendment, while considering the constitutional questions that continue to shape debates over these fundamental freedoms.
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided (dietary restrictions will be accommodated).
Participating teachers will receive a $100 stipend. Teachers traveling 50 or more miles will be eligible for an additional $50 travel stipend.
During this workshop, participants will:
- Explore the National Constitution Center’s classroom ready resources and protocols
- Collaborate with area teachers
- Learn from a constitutional scholar
- Engage with constitutional questions and civil dialogue practices to help students participate thoughtfully in the classroom.
Register by October 1, 2026, to secure your spot!
Agenda
9 a.m. – Coffee and registration
9:30 a.m. – Welcome and introductions
10 a.m. – Freedom of Conscience, Religious Liberty, and the Founders
10:30 a.m. – Scholar conversation
Noon – Lunch
12:45 p.m. – NCC resources exploration
1:15 p.m. – NCC Protocols and classroom application connections
3:15 p.m. – Planning and implementation
3:45 p.m. – Final debrief and reflection
4 p.m. – Workshop concludes
This program is part of the National Constitution Center’s Civic Education for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) Fellowship, an initiative designed to expand access to high-quality constitutional learning and civil dialogue in rural and remote communities across the United States by investing in educators and building lasting local capacity.
