A Virtual Professional Development Workshop for Pennsylvania Educators Hosted by PA Civics
This summer marks the final countdown to America’s 250th birthday—and Pennsylvania is at the heart of the story. Educators are invited to gather virtually with peers and civic leaders from across the Commonwealth for a day of professional learning that bridges past and present. As we stand on the threshold of this historic milestone, we’ll explore Pennsylvania’s enduring civic legacy—from its founding-era ideals to its role in shaping American democracy today.
Through engaging scholar talks, hands-on primary source workshops, ready-to-use classroom tools, and inspiring examples of student voice in action, this workshop will spark ideas for how to bring America 250 into your classroom. Together we celebrate the Revolutionary spirit that started here—and empower the next generation to carry it forward.
Participants will receive six hours of Act 48 credit through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
9–9:30 a.m. | Welcome & Framing the Day
What makes Pennsylvania a civic keystone? With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on the horizon, this opening session will ground us in the power of place and the critical role educators play in preserving and extending PA’s civic legacy.
Presenter: National Constitution Center
9:30–10:30 a.m. | Scholar Talk: Pennsylvania’s Founding Footprint
Explore the profound influence of Pennsylvania on the American experiment with a leading scholar in early American history. Chris Pearl is an historian of early America with a focus on the American Revolution. He received his PhD from Binghamton University and is currently Associate Professor and Chair of History and Co-Chair of American Studies at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Pearl is the author of three books: Conceived in Crisis: The Revolutionary Creation of an American State (University of Virginia Press, 2020), From Independence to the U.S. Constitution: Reconsidering the Critical Period of American History, co-edited with Douglas Bradburn (University of Virginia Press, 2022), and Declarations of Independence: Indigenous Resilience, Colonial Rivalries, and the Cost of Revolution (University of Virginia Press, 2024).
Presenter: Chris Pearl
10:30–11:30 a.m. | Primary Source Workshop
Bring Pennsylvania’s past to life through the lens of primary sources and material culture. This interactive workshop will introduce strategies for using Pennsylvania-specific artifacts in the classroom to support student inquiry and historical thinking.
Presenters: Heinz History Center, Jack Miller Center, National Constitution Center
11:30 a.m.–Noon | Lunch Break
Noon–1 p.m. | Classroom-Ready Resource Showcase
Discover tools you can take straight into the classroom. This showcase features civics lesson plans, election education materials, and student engagement resources from civic education providers. Educators will hear directly from teachers on how to implement these resources, from judicial literacy to civic identity-building.
Presenters: Committee of Seventy, More like US, National Constitution Center, Center for Civic Education, Generation Citizen, National Liberty Museum
1–2 p.m. | Student Voice Spotlight: Inspiring Civic Engagement
In this session highlighting student-led civic initiatives across Pennsylvania, learn from young changemakers and the educators who support them. Hear from organizations and educators all working to empower students to lead with knowledge and purpose.
Presenters: Center for Civic Education, Generation Citizen, National Liberty Museum, PA Youth Vote, PA Chamber Foundation, Women and Girls Foundation
2–2:30 p.m. | Break & Optional Networking Lounges
Step away from your screen or join one of our optional networking lounges organized by grade level. This is a great way to connect and collaborate with fellow educators across Pennsylvania.
2:30–3:30 p.m. | Workshop: PA 250 in the Classroom
As Pennsylvania prepares to commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this session explores how students can participate in statewide civic legacy projects. Learn about the exciting current initiatives of PA250, then engage in collaborative planning with fellow teachers to bring these exciting opportunities into your own classroom in the 2025–2026 school year.
3:30–4 p.m. | Wrap-Up & Reflection: Past, Present, and Future of Pennsylvania
We’ll close by reflecting on the day’s learning and looking ahead. How can we continue to teach Pennsylvania’s evolving civic story in ways that resonate with students and communities? Share key takeaways, ask questions, and consider how to carry forward this work—starting in your own classroom.
