We Can Teach Hard Things
We Can Teach Hard Things
We don’t stop teaching algebra when working with polynomials gets hard. Nor should we stop teaching civics when explaining the rule of law gets hard.
You can teach hard things—and should! But you don’t have to do it alone. Let iCivics support you as you navigate the growing challenges of teaching essential civics concepts amidst historic polarization.
Ready to get started? Choose the path that’s right for you:
There is a real sense of fear and anxiety among teachers right now—and we get it! There is a lot to be concerned about. According to research from RAND, 65% of teachers nationally report limiting discussions about political and social issues in class. The growing political divide in our communities has created a hesitation or all-out avoidance of approaching foundational civics and history topics.
This initiative is not about telling you how to teach. It is about giving you access to teachers across political and socioeconomic divides who are navigating the same challenges and questions, and giving you the tools and confidence to teach your way.
Register for the Next Webinar
This “We Can Teach Hard Things” webinar will discuss civil dialogue around contentious topics in the classroom. Learn from educators across political and socioeconomic divides who are navigating the same challenges and questions, and leave with the tools and confidence to teach your way.
Through this webinar series, the perspectives of teachers across the country contribute to the public conversation about civic education in the United States. Each contributor represents their own opinion. We welcome this plurality of perspectives.
Upcoming Webinars
You Tell Us!
Let us know what topics you’re finding hard to teach, and we will work some of them into our next webinar. Hear from educators from across the country— in red, blue, and purple communities—about how they teach these topics, and walk away with ideas about how to tackle tough topics with your students.
You Tell Us!
Let us know what topics you’re finding hard to teach, and we will work some of them into our next webinar. Hear from educators from across the country— in red, blue, and purple communities—about how they teach these topics, and walk away with ideas about how to tackle tough topics with your students.
Watch a Video
Chief Education Officer Emma Humphries shares instructional guidance, curated materials, and real-world examples of responsibly and effectively teaching civics topics in this moment.
Dive into a Deeper Explanation
Looking to learn more about We Can Teach Hard Things and the purpose behind it? Check out these blog posts, which go more in-depth with the research behind the suggestions made in Emma’s videos.
We Can Teach Hard Things, Like Redistricting
Unpack the content knowledge that students need to understand redistricting, and discover resources that can help.
We Can Teach Hard Things, Like Due Process
Craft a due process lesson plan with Emma, featuring state standards, historical headlines, and educational media.
Use Our Resources
Teaching redistricting? Get started with a quick video, immersive exercise, or research activity to help students grasp redistricting through real-life scenarios and facts.
Mini-lesson: Gerrymandering (HS)
In this Media Moment Mini-lesson, students have the opportunity to try their hand at a simplified districting exercise and learn about the common gerrymandering practices of packing and cracking districts.
Gerrymandering: Where Do We Draw the Line?
Use this video to find out how redistricting turns into gerrymandering, and how gerrymandering can negatively impact people in those districts.
Reapportionment & Redistricting
In this WebQuest, students will explore the ins and outs of apportionment including what it is, how often it’s adjusted, and how districts are redrawn. Students will also take a look at gerrymandering and its impacts.