In this episode, I chat with Shawn McCusker, co-author of Becoming Active Citizens, about how teachers can move beyond the textbook and make civic education truly resonate with today’s students. You’ll also hear some valuable tips and resources for educators to help students become active participants in their communities, plus the role of technology in this evolving landscape. If you’re passionate about empowering the next generation of engaged citizens, this episode is a must-listen!
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Tips for Civic Education Beyond the Textbook
- Schools often need support in revamping and refining programs.
- Modern civic education emphasizes active participation beyond voting.
- All subjects can integrate civic engagement through real-world connections.
- Dialogue skills help students engage in meaningful, respectful discussions.
SPONSORED BY MY NEW FREE QUIZ “UNLOCK THE BEST WAY TO USE CHATBOTS IN YOUR TEACHING”
Today’s episode is sponsored by my new free quiz, “Unlock the Best Way to Use Chatbots in Your Teaching.” This quick, five-question quiz will help you figure out the best way to use AI this school year. Find out if AI can support your instructional planning and help you tackle your to do list. Everyone who takes the quiz will also get a FREE ebook! Head to classtechtips.com/quiz/ to find my new quiz “Unlock the Best Way to Use Chatbots in Your Teaching.” Check it out here >>
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EPISODE RESOURCES
- Connect with Shawn McCusker on LinkedIn
- Find Shawn McCusker’s book Becoming Active Citizens: Practices to Engage Students in Civic Education Across the Curriculum on Amazon
- Kialo (Online discussion platform)
- Generation Citizen (Civics organization)
- Project Citizen (Civics organization)
- The Mikva Challenge (Civics organization)
- Earth Force (Environmental action resources)
- Newsela (ELA & Current Events resource)
- Formative (Real-time instruction)
- Teaching Civics in a Digital World with Karalee Wong Nakatsuka and Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff (Podcast Episode)
- Simple Civics Lesson for Students with a Fantasy Sports Spin (Blog Post)
- Things to Watch in AI in Education in 2025 with Dan Fitzpatrick (Podcast Episode)
- Writing Activities That Don’t Use AI (Blog Post)
- Protecting Student Data with Smart Strategies for Schools and Districts with Roxi Thompson (Podcast Episode)
