Monthly Professional Learning Sessions
The National Constitution Center’s monthly virtual professional learning series offers an introduction to the U.S. Constitution from a leading scholar and explores methods for constitutional teaching and pedagogy from experienced practitioners. Sessions range from an overview of the Constitution’s text and the leading methods for interpretation, the creation of the Bill of Rights and the underlying principles, and landmark Supreme Court cases to areas of ongoing debate on key topics, including separation of powers, federalism, slavery in America, free speech, battles for equality, and voting rights.
Each session also features a practicum component led by a teacher from one of the National Constitution Center’s teacher advisory groups. Through this practicum component, participants will examine the Constitution through a mix of civil dialogue, critical thinking, and active listening—using various resources from the Center to help students better understand the Constitution’s text, history, and structure.
These 90-minute sessions are hosted on the third Wednesday of each month through Zoom and begin at 6:30 p.m. ET. They are free of charge and can be attended as an entire series or as individual sessions.
Questions? Email [email protected] to learn more.
Register for Upcoming Sessions
New virtual programs are added on a regular basis. Check back frequently for additional opportunities.
Upcoming Sessions
Legacy of the American Revolution
Sep 23, 2026
The National Constitution Center, in partnership with Ft. Ticonderoga, is hosting a free, virtual professional learning workshop on Wednesday, September 23, from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Using the Center’s nonpartisan resources and Educational Framework, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the people, ideas, events, and artifacts that shaped the revolutionary era, while exploring American military institutions through the colonial, Revolutionary, and Federal periods.
Online Workshop
Native Nations and the Constitution
Oct 21, 2026
During this session, participants will explore the complex constitutional relationship between Native nations and the United States. Join University of Colorado distinguished law professor Kristen Carpenter as she examines how the Constitution has shaped federal-tribal relations and explores enduring constitutional questions involving tribal sovereignty, citizenship, treaties, and the powers and responsibilities of the federal government. A teacher facilitator will share classroom-ready resources, primary sources, and strategies for helping students examine the constitutional status of Native nations and the evolving relationship between tribal governments and the United States.
Online Workshop
Federalism
Nov 18, 2026
During this session, participants will explore the constitutional foundations of federalism and the division of power between the federal government and the states. Join Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit as he examines how the Constitution establishes a system of dual sovereignty, how the balance of state and federal power has evolved over time, and how federalism shapes questions of rights, governance, and democratic participations. A teacher facilitator will share classroom-ready resources and strategies for helping students analyze federalism through constitutional questions, primary sources, and historical and contemporary examples.
Navigating Disagreement: The Skills of Civil Dialogue
Jan 20, 2027
During this session, participants will explore the skills and strategies that make productive disagreement possible. Julia Minson of Harvard University draws on research in psychology and behavioral science to examine how people respond to opposing views and identify practical strategies for listening, communicating, and engaging constructively across differences. A teacher facilitator will share classroom-ready resources and strategies that help students ask thoughtful questions, consider different perspectives, and practice the habits of civil dialogue.
Online
Religious Liberty
Feb 17, 2027
During this session, participants will explore the historical and constitutional foundations of religious liberty in the United States. Join Randall Balmer of Dartmouth College as he examines the development of religious freedom from the founding era to today and explores how the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise clauses have shaped debates over the relationship between religion and government. A teacher facilitator will share classroom-ready resources and strategies for helping students investigate questions of religious liberty through primary sources and constitutional analysis.
Online
Civic Virtue
Apr 21, 2027
During this session, participants will explore the role of civic virtue in sustaining constitutional self-government. Join Kirstin Birkhaug of Hope College as she examines how Americans have understood civic virtue across generations and considers the qualities, habits, and responsibilities that democratic self-government asks of citizens. A teacher facilitator will share classroom-ready resources and strategies for helping students explore civic virtue, reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and consider the relationship between government of the self and self-government.
Online
Pending Supreme Court Cases
May 19, 2027
During this session, participants will explore significant cases before the Supreme Court and the constitutional questions at the center of each dispute. Gain scholarly insight into the historical and legal background of selected cases, the arguments presented by each side, and how the Court’s decisions may shape constitutional law. A teacher facilitator will share classroom ready resources and strategies for helping students analyze Supreme Court cases, evaluate constitutional questions, and understand the role of the judiciary in American government.
Online
