Teaching Civics with Impact: Coaching and Strategies for Success

About the Webinar:

This engaging session equipped educators with effective strategies and resources for delivering high-quality, impactful civics instruction that prepares students to be informed, engaged citizens in our constitutional republic. Lauren Kappler and Traci Mulitsa, Civics Directors at the Florida Department of Education, emphasized Florida’s renewed commitment to civics education as reflected in strengthened standards, enhanced curriculum requirements, and increased accountability through the statewide civics assessment. The presenters explained that effective civics instruction goes beyond memorizing facts about government structure—it involves helping students understand foundational principles like individual rights and responsibilities, constitutional limitations on government power, civic virtues, and the historical foundations of American democracy. They demonstrated how quality civics education engages students in analyzing primary source documents, examining current events through a constitutional lens, developing critical thinking about civic issues, and understanding their role as active participants in democratic processes. The session highlighted Florida’s emphasis on teaching civics from an objective, fact-based perspective that presents American history and founding documents authentically while fostering students’ appreciation for the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Kappler and Mulitsa provided practical instructional strategies and classroom-ready resources that teachers can implement immediately to strengthen student engagement and achievement in civics. They shared techniques for making civics relevant and compelling, including connecting historical concepts to contemporary issues, using deliberative discussions that develop students’ ability to articulate and defend positions respectfully, incorporating primary sources and civic action projects, and utilizing technology to access real-time government proceedings and civic participation opportunities. The presenters addressed Florida’s civics assessment requirements, offering guidance on preparing students effectively without teaching to the test, and discussed how schools can integrate civics across grade levels and content areas to reinforce key concepts throughout students’ educational experience. They also highlighted professional development opportunities, coaching support, curriculum resources, and instructional materials available through the Department’s civics initiative. The session emphasized that civics teachers play a crucial role not just in helping students pass assessments, but in cultivating the next generation of informed citizens who understand American constitutional principles, appreciate the freedoms they enjoy, and are equipped to participate thoughtfully in civic life. Attendees left inspired and equipped with concrete strategies, vetted resources, and connections to ongoing support for delivering civics instruction that truly makes an impact on students’ understanding of citizenship and democracy.