Teach Democracy

On June 19, 1865, more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas finally got the news that they were free, more than two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. That is why we call it Freedom Day.

It became a federal holiday in 2021, thanks to activists like Opal Lee, who campaigned for decades to make it official.

Today we remember that history and the lessons it still holds for every classroom, like this one on the meaning of emancipation:https://teachdemocracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/emancipation-day-past-and-present.pdf

Happy Juneteenth.

Teachers, you earned this break. From all of us at Teach Democracy, thank you for a year well taught.

Rest up, soak up summer, and when you are ready to think about next year, our free K-12 lesson library is here. Our civic lessons are easily searchable by grade, subject, and topic, from ancient history to current events.

Explore our library: https://teachdemocracy.org/program-page/bill-of-rights-in-action-bria/

Happy National Flag Week! The Stars and Stripes has flown through nearly 250 years of American history, from Gettysburg to the moon. As we imagine the next 250 years, what is your vision for American democracy?

Grab your phone, share your vision in a quick video, and get a special Teach Democracy gift. Submit here: http://teachdemocracy.memfox.io/250next

This Pride Month, we're honoring the people who believed democracy was worth fighting for, people like Barbara Jordan, Harvey Milk, and Maite Oronoz Rodríguez.

Through elections, courtrooms, and classrooms, they showed that democracy can grow more inclusive with every generation that fights for it.

Thank you for showing up. This month and every month.

What does growth look like after a student attends Teach Democracy’s Expanding Horizons Institute?

For alumnus Thakur, it meant discovering more about himself, his purpose, and the future he wants to build as a first-generation college student at Vanderbilt University.

Learn more about joining EHI: https://teachdemocracy.org/program-page/expanding-horizons-institute-ehi/

What do you hope American democracy looks like 250 years from now?

Teach Democracy wants to hear from students, teachers, and parents! Submit a short video sharing your vision for the future of American democracy, and your voice could be featured during the evening program.

As a thank-you, participants who submit a video can receive a special gift from Teach Democracy.

Submit your video: http://teachdemocracy.memfox.io/250next

Celebrate civic learning at the 22nd Annual Constitution Day Mini-Conference!

Join us on Saturday, September 19 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum for a day of civic engagement and interactive learning about the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

Registration includes breakfast, lunch, breakout sessions, student performances, museum admission, and access to the America 250 Special Exhibit. Plus, $75 stipends are available for the first 100 teachers to register and attend.

Learn more and register here: https://teachdemocracy.org/ca-civic-learning-initiative/constitution-day/

We’re excited to announce the student winners of Teach Democracy’s American 250 Contest!

Students across the country used their creativity and civic knowledge to reflect on America’s past, present, and future as we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Congratulations to our first-place winners:
🏆 High School: Max F., Pittsburgh, PA
�🏆 Middle School: Oliver F., Leif R., Angel C., and Felix C., Santa Monica, CA�
🏆 Upper Elementary: Aheri M., Newark, DE�
🏆 Lower Elementary: Elektra J., Los Angeles, CA

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and exceptional mentions!

See the full list: https://teachdemocracy.org/america-250-and-counting-contest-winners/

At last week’s Civic Action Project Expo in Los Angeles, more than 200 students presented research on issues affecting their communities. From immigration policy and juvenile va**ng to eating disorders and civic participation.

Their work is a powerful reminder of what civic learning in action looks like when students identify real problems, research public policy, and use their voices to advocate for change.

Thank you to the students, teachers, and partners who made this year’s CAP Expo so inspiring.

Learn more about the Civic Action Project: https://teachdemocracy.org/cap/