Constitutional Conversations Using Classroom Exchanges

Our Classroom exchanges teach the habits of civil dialogue by pairing classrooms across the country for conversations about constitutional issues moderated by judges and master teachers.

Throughout the school year, teachers can register their classes to discuss a big constitutional question with a classroom elsewhere in the United States. The Center will host these dialogues by pairing classrooms, connecting them with a trained moderator, and setting up videoconferencing sessions.

How To Have A Civil Dialogue

As you read, interpret, and cite the documents in the Interactive Constitution, it’s important to think about how the Constitution defines or limits the power of the government. That’s how constitutional scholars and judges read, interpret, and cite the Constitution.

Start with these Videos

Video: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer talks about the basic listening practices used by the Court to reach decisions in the cases it hears.
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Video: Master teacher Carl Ackerman explains how to have a civil dialogue about the Constitution.
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Civil Dialogue Toolkit

Use this toolkit in your classroom to host a civil conversation about the Constitution

Toolkit (PDF)

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Download Activity Sheets (PDF)

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Get started with these constitutional questions

Can a public school require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Can a public school prevent the student newspaper from running an editorial criticizing the school principal? Can a state compel Amish students to attend school when they claim this violates their religious beliefs? Can a public school encourage students to recite a prayer at the beginning of each school day? Can the government forbid handing out leaflets on public property such as streets or parks?

Sign up for a Classroom Exchange

Register your class to discuss a big constitutional question with a classroom elsewhere in the United States. The National Constitution Center will pair you with another classroom, connect you to an expert moderator, and help set up videoconferencing sessions.

Get Started

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.