National Educators Cohort

Design transformative civic learning for the next generation

A civic education fellowship for educators to advance civic learning in their schools and communities.

Providing professional learning, individual support, and a network of peers, the National 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

Institutes + Virtual Follow-Up Sessions

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 five 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 National Educators Cohort is designed for small teams of 2-3 teachers and administrators (e.g. principals, department chairs, student life directors) from schools 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?

2026-27 Fellowship Dates:

  • Summer Institute: August 3 – August 6, 2026 at The New York Historical in New York City
  • Learning Gatherings: Four evening workshops throughout the school year (virtual)
  • Coaching Sessions: Five one-on-one coaching sessions available to each participant
  • Closing Gathering: May 2027 (virtual)

What are the participation expectations?

All fellows are expected to attend the Summer Institute, six coaching sessions, four virtual 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.  You can see examples of Civic Spirit Projects in last year’s Yearbook.

Fellows will be expected to complete readings in advance of the Summer Institute.

One member of the school leadership team is expected to attend a 45 minute School Leadership Orientation (virtual), and attend two 45 minute Leadership Roundtables (virtual) during the school year.

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 do I apply?

Applications are currently closed for the 2026-27 Cohort.

For more information, contact Audi Hecht, Sr. Director of Education and Innovation, at audi@civicspirit.org.

How much does it cost?

With generous support from funders, the National Educators Cohort is fully subsidized and there is no fee to participate. A travel subsidy (up to $1,000) and a $1,000 participation stipend are provided to fellows. Additional travel subsidies are available to those who qualify.

What will I learn in the Educators Cohort?

Sessions at the Institutes and throughout the school year focus on:

  • Text-based Seminars: Interactive learning with scholars of American history and political science on foundational American texts and ideals
  • Pedagogical Workshops on civic education approaches including: integrating primary sources and artifacts into instruction, marking civic holidays meaningfully, facilitating dialogue on controversial topics, teaching media literacy, and supporting students to develop civic projects in their communities
  • Community of Practice: Collaborative opportunities for educators to share teaching strategies, resources, and ideas with one another

Who teaches in the Educators Cohort?

The National Educators Cohort is facilitated by cross-disciplinary scholars, facilitators, and Civic Spirit staff. Faculty bios from previous Institutes can be found here.

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. Form a Civic Spirit Club
  2. Participate in Civic Spirit Day
  3. Receive a discounted rate on department or faculty-wide Professional Development Workshops