Educators Cohort

Design transformative civic learning for the next generation.

A 10-month fellowship for educators to advance civic learning in their schools and communities.

Providing professional learning, individual support, and a network of peers, the Educators Cohort brings together educators from schools and organizations rooted in a faith tradition who are committed to exploring the unique possibilities of civic learning in the context of communities of faith.

Over the course of the year, participants develop their knowledge and skills as civic educators and introduce new approaches in their educational settings.

Program Components

Learning Gatherings

Participants convene for an in-person Summer Institute run in partnership with the Jack Miller Center and virtually throughout the school year to study foundational texts and gain new tools to bring back to the classroom.

Sessions include text-based seminars with leading scholars, interactive workshops on teaching civic skills, goal setting and curriculum planning, and discussion exploring the intersection of religion and civic life.

Pedagogical Coaching

Participants engage in monthly coaching sessions throughout the school year with Civic Spirit's education staff.

Coaching sessions focus on supporting participants in articulating their civic education goals, applying new content and pedagogies, identifying resources and partnerships, and cultivating meaningful civic learning experiences.

Civic Spirit Project

Participants develop and implement a Civic Spirit Project, aligned to their school’s mission and civic education goals.

The Project might be a new framework for learning, a new or updated curricular unit, a school wide program, or student club. At our closing gathering, educators present the design, outcome, and reflections of their work.

Program Details

Who is this for?

The Educators Cohort is designed for small teams of 2-3 educators from schools or organizations that are rooted in a faith tradition and work with middle or high school students.  We encourage educators from across disciplines (e.g.  history, social studies, literature, religious studies) to apply.

We seek applicants who are committed to their own learning and growth and who are eager to be a part of a diverse community of educators with a range of viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds.

When are the gatherings?

  • Summer Institute:  NEW for 2023! We are running Summer Institute in two locations (choose one).
    • July 10-13, 2023 in Boston
    • July 31- August 3, 2023 at the New York Historical Society in New York City
  • Learning Gatherings: Five 90 minute sessions throughout the school year (virtual)
  • Closing Gathering: June 2024 (virtual)

What are the participation expectations?

The full school team (2-3 educators) is expected to attend the Summer Institute, monthly coaching sessions, at least 4 out of 5 Learning Gatherings, and the Closing Gathering.   Participants will present their Civic Spirit project at the Closing Gathering, and at a department/staff meeting at their institution.

Participants will be expected to complete readings and a school mission exercise in advance of Summer Institute.

One member of the school leadership team is required to attend a 60 minute School Leadership Orientation (multiple dates will be offered).

What is Civic Spirit's approach to civic education?

Civic Spirit’s multi-disciplinary approach seeks to foster civic belonging, democratic fluency, and urgent civic skills in students who are coming of age while navigating our complex civic and political life.  You can read more about our approach here.

How much does it cost?

With generous support from funders, the 2023 Educators Cohort is fully subsidized and there is no fee to participate. For the Summer Institute, a travel and lodging stipend (up to $1,000) is available.  An additional travel stipend is available for those who qualify.

In recognition of the time that participants invest in the program during the school year, participants who attend at least 4 out of the 5 Learning Gatherings and the Closing Gathering will receive a $750 participation stipend at the completion of the cohort program.  Partial stipends are available to those who have scheduling conflicts.

Who teaches in the Educators Cohort?

The Educators Cohort is facilitated by cross-disciplinary scholars, facilitators, and Civic Spirit staff.

See here for the schedule from our past 2022 Summer Institute.

The Summer Institute is run in partnership with the Jack Miller Center.

What else will my school gain from participating?

Participating schools have the opportunity to:

  1. Invite students to apply for Civic Spirit’s Student Delegates Program.
  2. Develop joint student programming with another school.
  3. Receive a discounted rate on department or faculty-wide professional development workshops.

How do I apply?

To apply to the Educators Cohort:

  1. Complete the application by March 24, 2023
  2. Ask your supervisor to complete this statement of support by March 24, 2023

Questions? Reach out to Yael Steiner, Director of Programs at yael@civicspirit.org

 

The connections that our teachers have made through the Educators Cohort have been an invaluable resource both for brainstorming big ideas and planning on the ground practical experiences for our students."

-Beverly Segal, Associate Principal, Yeshiva University HS for Girls

Thank you for an incredible week of learning and growing--I can’t wait to plan for the year and make a difference with our students."

-Caitlin Kerwin, Cohort 1 Educator, La Salle Academy