Educators Cohort

Design transformative civic learning for the next generation.

A cohort-based program 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 will develop their knowledge and skills as civic educators and introduce new approaches in their educational setting.

Program Components

Learning Gatherings

Participants will convene for an in-person Summer Institute in New York City and virtually throughout the school year to learn together and gain new tools to bring back to the classroom.

Sessions will 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

Throughout the year, participants will have access to ten hours of coaching per school and one site visit (in-person or virtual) from their coach.

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

Civic Spirit Project

Over the course of the year, educators will 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, additions to an existing curricular unit, a school wide program, or student club. At our closing gathering, educators will present the design, outcome, and reflections of their work.

Program Details

Who should apply?

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 .  At least one educator must teach history/social studies. We encourage educators from across disciplines (e.g.  literature, religious studies, humanities) 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:  August 1-4, 2022 in New York City
  • Learning Gatherings: Five 90 minute sessions throughout the school year (virtual)
  • Closing Gathering: June 2023 / Date TBD

What are the participation expectations?

The full school team (2-3 educators) is expected to attend the Summer Institute, at least 4 out of 5 Learning Gatherings, and the Closing Gathering. 

Are there other requirements to know about?

Participants will be expected to complete (light) reading in advance of each gathering.

One member of the school leadership team will be required to attend a 60 minute Civic Spirit onboarding workshop in September (multiple dates will be offered).

Who teaches in the Educators Cohort?

The Educators Cohort is facilitated by cross-disciplinary scholars, facilitators, and Civic Spirit staff. See here for faculty from our recent We the Educators program.

Samples of previous Summer Institute agendas:

How much does it cost?

With generous support from funders, this year’s 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.

In recognition of the time that participants invest in the program during the school year, those who attend at least 4 out of the 5 learning gatherings will receive a $500 stipend at the completion of the cohort program.

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.

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 50% discount on department or faculty-wide professional development workshops

How do I apply?

To apply to the Educators Cohort, complete the following by May 20, 2022:

  1. Application form (one per applicant)
  2. Supervisor Statement of Support – Send this form to you supervisor to fill out.

If you have any questions, please contact Yael Steiner 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