Arizona Civics Conference
Cultivating Civic Culture
A one-day conference connecting civic knowledge, civil discourse, and practical strategies for Arizona classrooms and school communities.
Co-hosted by the Center for American Civics at Arizona State University and Sphere Education Initiatives
Saturday, January 23, 2027
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | ASU Chandler Innovation Center
Strengthening Civic Culture in Arizona
How can educators help students engage thoughtfully across differences while building the knowledge and skills necessary for civic life?
The Center for American Civics at Arizona State University and Sphere Education Initiatives are co-hosting the Arizona Civics Conference to bring together civic content, civil discourse, classroom practice, and educational leadership.
Participants will hear from Arizona civic education leaders, explore strategies for navigating disagreement, rhetoric, bias, and polarization, select from interactive workshops, and build connections with educators and civic learning partners from across Arizona.
What Participants Will Gain
Civic Knowledge
Deepen your understanding of civic culture, constitutional principles, and the role of education in sustaining civic life.
Classroom Practice
Explore practical strategies for facilitating meaningful conversations and helping students engage with diverse perspectives.
Professional Connections
Connect with educators, school leaders, scholars, and civic education partners from across Arizona.
Featured Conference Programs
Opening Plenary
Overcoming Polarization in Today’s Classrooms
Dr. Paul Carrese
Consider how educators can respond thoughtfully to polarization while supporting inquiry, productive discussion, and civic learning.
Moderated Panel
Arizona’s Civic Culture
This panel will feature Arizona’s representation in the development of the National Assessment of Educational Progress Civics Framework.
Dr. Paul Carrese
Hannah Rude
Dr. Christopher Evans
Networking Lunch
Connect with Arizona Educators
Exchange ideas, meet fellow educators, and build connections with civic education leaders and partners from across Arizona.
Saturday, January 23
Agenda Preview
The conference will combine shared learning, Arizona-focused conversations, networking, and three rounds of application workshops.
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Registration and breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. | Welcome from the Center for American Civics and Sphere Education Initiatives |
| 8:45 a.m. |
Opening Plenary: Overcoming Polarization in Today’s Classrooms Dr. Paul Carrese |
| 9:55 a.m. |
Moderated Panel: Arizona’s Civic Culture Featuring Arizona’s representation in the development of the NAEP Civics Framework: Dr. Paul Carrese, Hannah Rude, and Dr. Christopher Evans |
| 10:55 to 11:45 a.m. |
Breakout Session 1 Participants select one of three sessions. |
| 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Lunch and Networking |
| 1:10 to 2:00 p.m. |
Breakout Session 2 Participants select one of three sessions. |
| 2:10 to 3:00 p.m. |
Breakout Session 3 Participants select one of three sessions. |
| 3:10 p.m. | Closing remarks, next steps, stipend information, and certificates |
| 3:30 p.m. | Conference concludes |
This agenda is a preview and is subject to change.
Breakout Sessions
Participants may select one workshop during each breakout session.
Breakout Session 1
10:55 to 11:45 a.m.
Leadership Toolkit: Fostering Civil Discourse through Leadership
Fostering Civil Discourse in Your Classroom
Think Like a Citizen: Using Values and Character to Guide Decision-Making
Breakout Session 2
1:10 to 2:00 p.m.
From Division to Dialogue: Rhetorical Speaking and Listening for the Classroom
Fostering Civil Discourse in Your Classroom
From Primary Sources to Civic Conversations
Breakout Session 3
2:10 to 3:00 p.m.
Bias Bites: Exploring Cognitive Biases and Their Role in Civil Discourse
ELA and Social Studies
Fostering Civil Discourse in Your Classroom
Structured Academic Controversies
ASU Center for American Civics
Who Should Attend
Conference Information
Date
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Time
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location
ASU Chandler Innovation Center
Additional information about parking, meals, stipends, certificates, and workshop selection will be shared with registered participants.
Join Arizona’s Civic Education Community
Spend the day learning, connecting, and developing practical strategies for strengthening civic culture in classrooms and communities.
Co-hosted by the Center for American Civics at Arizona State University and Sphere Education Initiatives
Register for January 23Co-hosted by
Center for American Civics at Arizona State University
and Sphere Education Initiatives