Peer-to-Peer Classroom Exchanges
for Civic Dialogue

More from the Constitutional Exchange Program:


Live Open Session

Recorded Sessions

Private Sessions

The Peer-to-Peer Classroom Exchange program connects middle and high school students across the United States for virtual conversations about the Constitution. Moderated by National Constitution Center scholars, federal judges and master teaches, the Classroom Exchanges use the Interactive Constitution to teach constitutional principles and civil dialogue skills.

Classes interact directly with other classes across the country and apply critical thinking and listening skills to a constitutional issue that matters to them. Join the thousands of teachers and students who have already participated in Classroom Exchanges.

Tell Me More

I’m ready to sign up for an exchange

What Students and Teachers Are Saying About Exchanges

Students who participate in an exchange:

  • Learn healthy civil dialogue skills discussing real-world scenarios
  • Develop critical thinking skills around constitutional issues
  • Hear a variety of views from peers across the country, building active listening skills
  • Gain self-confidence while speaking in front of peers
  • Interact with a constitutional expert in a unique experience

The constitutional content covered in the Classroom Exchanges includes the First Amendment and the Fourth Amendment, with access to resources for teachers from the Interactive Constitution.

What you need to know about Peer-to-Peer Exchanges

It’s easy to be part of an exchange with the Center as your guide.

It’s easy to be part of an exchange with the Center as your guide.

All you need is a webcam, microphone, screen, and an internet connection for Zoom videoconferencing. The Center takes care of the rest, including pairing classrooms for an exchange.

Don’t have the technology? Contact the Center for assistance.

Constitutional experts facilitate healthy civil discussions.

Constitutional experts facilitate healthy civil discussions.

Expert moderators are federal or state judges, other legal professionals, and master teachers who volunteer their time and have been trained on how to ensure nonpartisan neutrality and cultivate civil dialogue.

Check out our Civil Dialogue Toolkit.

Exchanges fit into your curriculum.

Exchanges fit into your curriculum.

Exchanges cover constitutional topics that are relevant for students and can be done anytime and at any point in the curriculum during the school year.  The Center provides lesson plans and discussion questions for each exchange, including a lesson plan on civil dialogue skills.

Check out our Classroom Learning Materials.

How it Works

  • Complete the sign-up form letting us know your interest. The Center will follow up with you on details and questions.
     
  • Get matched to a classroom in another city or state. The Center takes cares of pairing classrooms based on time, availability, etc.
     
  • Prepare using lesson plans from the Center. Two lesson plans: one teaching the constitutional content and one focused on practicing civil dialogue take two class periods to complete.
     
  • Engage in a Classroom Exchange. Each exchange takes 30 minutes including welcome and introductions, moderator-guided discussion of constitutional principles, student dialogue and presentations, and practical and relevant discussions with examples.

Constitutional Topics

Exchanges cover constitutional topics including:

Sample discussion questions:

  • Can the government stop a newspaper from publishing classified information because of national security concerns?
  • Can a public school display the Ten Commandments in classrooms?

More For The Classroom

Classroom Exchanges

Register your class to discuss a big constitutional question with a classroom elsewhere in the United States.

Constitutional Ambassadors

Participate in a daylong immersive experience in constitutional education and civil dialogue.

Professional Development

Join other educators for a variety of programs that enhance your teaching of the Constitution.

Are you an educator? Get the latest on bringing the Constitution into your classroom.