Educating for the Republic

While the program is designed for Secondary Social Studies educators, K-12 educators, including current classroom teachers, education specialists, administrators, and curriculum supervisors are encouraged to apply. Special preference will be given to current classroom teachers from rural and Title I-designated schools in Kansas.

Application deadlines vary by seminar location and year. Interested participants should contact the project director for current application windows and deadlines.

Applicants will typically be notified of their acceptance status within two weeks of the application deadline.

In 2026, two pilot seminars will be held in Manhattan at Kansas State University. In 2027 and 2028, four regional seminars will be offered across Kansas—in Olathe (Eastern KS), Manhattan (Central KS), Salina (Central KS), and Dodge City (Southwest KS)—to ensure equitable access for educators throughout the state.

Each seminar runs for multiple days in mid-summer (typically July). For the summer of 2026, the dates are June 28^th-July 2^nd and July 7^th-July 11^th . Participants are expected to attend all days of their designated seminar.

All participants will be provided with lodging and meals at no cost. All meals during the seminar are included, and lodging is arranged to create a collegial learning community.

The Educating for the Republic seminar is divided into four main components: (1) Philosophical Foundations & Primary Texts, where participants engage with the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, Federalist Papers, and key Enlightenment thinkers; (2) Pedagogical Practice, where educators learn strategies for teaching founding documents and primary texts to secondary students; (3) Civic Discourse & Civil Dialogue, where participants develop skills for facilitating inclusive, respectful classroom discussions on foundational and contemporary issues; and (4) Curriculum Development, where teachers create and refine lesson plans aligned with state standards and seminar principles.

Yes. Educating for the Republic participants receive substantial financial support to ensure equitable access. This includes: a stipend to offset costs, full reimbursement of travel expenses, lodging at no cost, all meals provided, and a book allowance to build a classroom library of primary texts and supporting materials. This comprehensive support is designed to ensure that teachers from rural, under-resourced, and Title I schools can participate without financial burden.

Yes. Participants will receive professional development credits for their participation in the seminar, as well as for any follow-up learning activities. Credits are awarded in accordance with Kansas Department of Education requirements and state teacher licensure renewal guidelines. Details on credit accumulation will be provided at the beginning of the seminar.

Participants will engage in substantive content sessions led by university faculty and scholars who specialize in American political thought and founding-era texts. In addition to lecture and discussion, there will be interactive workshops on pedagogy, peer review and collaborative lesson planning, small-group discussions on civic discourse, and hands-on curriculum development. Participants will leave with a packet of classroom-ready materials, including lesson plans, primary text excerpts, and discussion guides.

Full attendance is required for participants to receive their seminar completion certificate, professional development credits, and any associated stipends or recognition. If you have a conflict with specific seminar dates, please contact the project director to discuss future seminar dates.

Participation in Educating for the Republic will deepen your understanding of America's founding documents and political philosophy, equipping you with rich content knowledge to teach with greater authority and nuance. You will gain evidence-based pedagogical strategies for making primary texts accessible and engaging to secondary students. You will also learn practical techniques for facilitating civil discourse in your classroom—helping students discuss controversial topics respectfully and critically. Finally, you will return home with a complete set of classroom-ready materials—lesson plans, activity guides, reading sets, and discussion frameworks—that you can implement immediately. The result is a more intellectually rigorous, civic-focused classroom experience for your students.

Participants are asked to implement their lesson plans in their classrooms during the following academic year and to complete a follow-up implementation survey or interview. Participants are also encouraged to share their experiences and materials with colleagues, and to participate in ongoing peer learning communities organized through the project. These follow-up activities help us understand the impact of the program and support continued educator development.

Absolutely. One of the most valuable aspects of Educating for the Republic is the opportunity to connect with educators from across Kansas who share a commitment to civic education. Participants will collaborate during the seminar, and the project team will facilitate ongoing peer learning communities and networking opportunities throughout the year. Many participants form lasting professional relationships and continue to support each other's teaching beyond the formal program.

Apply now or contact the project team at Kansas State University. The application includes brief questions about your teaching experience, your interest in civics education, and your goals for the seminar. Applications are reviewed on a rolling or competitive basis, depending on seminar availability. For more information or to express interest, contact the project team.