#39 Civics, Collaboration, and Ms. Opal Lee: A Constitution Day Special

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome three special guests: Julie Silverbrook from the National Constitution Center, Jocelyn Kho from the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and Andrea (Ang) Reidell from the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics. Together, they discuss an exciting upcoming event for Constitution Day that brings together these prestigious organizations to engage students in a unique virtual learning experience centered around the U.S. Constitution and the inspiring story of Ms. Opal Lee.

Key topics discussed include:

• Constitution Day Collaboration: Julie, Jocelyn, and Ang share how their organizations came together to create a Constitution Day program that combines resources from the National Constitution Center, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and the Annenberg Public Policy Center. The program will feature a live webinar where students can engage with the story of Juneteenth and the U.S. Constitution, highlighting the significance of freedom and civic engagement.
• The Role of Opal Lee: The guests discuss the impact of Ms. Opal Lee, known as the "grandmother of Juneteenth," and how students will have the unique opportunity to interact with her during the event. They also explore how her story ties into the broader themes of the Constitution and American history.
• Virtual Learning Advantages: The conversation touches on the benefits of virtual learning, including the ability to bring diverse voices and perspectives into the classroom. The guests explain how technology allows students to engage with primary sources, such as portraits and historical documents, in ways that are not possible in a physical classroom.
• Nonpartisan Civic Education: The importance of teaching civics in a nonpartisan manner is emphasized, with insights into how the National Constitution Center and its partners strive to present multiple perspectives on constitutional issues, fostering civil dialogue and critical thinking among students.

This episode provides an in-depth look at how educational organizations can collaborate to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences for students, especially on important topics like the Constitution and civic responsibility.

For more insights and practical advice, tune into this episode and explore the work of the National Constitution Center, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and Lenore Annenberg Institute for Civics. Links to their resources are available below.

About today’s guests:

• Julie Silverbrook is the Vice President of Civic Education at the National Constitution Center, where she leads initiatives to educate the public about the U.S. Constitution and civic engagement.
• Jocelyn Kho is the Student Programs Coordinator at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, where she manages educational programs that bring art and history to life for students.
• Ang Reidell is the Director of Outreach and Curriculum at the Lenore Annenberg Institute for Civics, with a focus on creating educational resources that promote civic education and engagement.

Episode Links:

1. National Constitution Center
   • National Constitution Center
2. Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
   • Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
3. Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics
   • Annenberg Public Policy Center
4. Annenberg Classroom (for films and educational resources)
   • Annenberg Classroom
5. Constitution Day Event Registration via CILC
   • Register for Constitution Day Event on the CILC Events Calendar.

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning leverages technology to enhance cultural competence and educational outcomes for teachers and students alike.