Engaging in Civil, Civic Discourse in the Classroom and Beyond

At a time when debate and public trust can feel divided and heated, educators are turning to curriculum to help strengthen empathy, curiosity, and civic responsibility in young people. According to Facing History and Ourselves, students from Facing History classrooms report feeling a stronger motivation to become active civic participants, more motivated to learn, and more positive impacts in their school community. Their Civic Education Curriculum Collection, in particular, boosts media-literacy skills, builds historical analysis, engages in civil discourse, and develops a foundation for civic participation.

What can schools and educators do to strengthen civil conversation in a diverse democracy? And is it possible to do so in a time where public schools, its educators, and curriculum have come under heightened scrutiny around race, gender, and history?

Dr. Desmond K. Blackburn began serving as President and CEO of Facing History & Ourselves in April 2023. Under his leadership, Desmond is committed to bringing Facing History’s resources to more teachers, schools, and districts than ever. Before joining Facing History, Desmond was Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership for the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the nation. He also served as CEO of the New Teacher Center, a national nonprofit that works to disrupt the predictability of educational inequities for systemically underserved students by accelerating educator effectiveness.

Join us at the City Club as we hear from Dr. Desmond K. Blackburn on how National Facing History and Ourselves is equipping schools, districts, and teachers with the tools they need to shape the future by nurturing empathy, curiosity, and civic responsibility in young people.

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Online ticket sales for this forum will conclude on Tuesday, April 7th. For more information regarding ticketing/registration, contact Stacy Rogers at (216) 621-0082.

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The livestream will be available beginning at 12:00pm. Have questions? Send a text to 330.541.5794.