Save the Date!
Oregon Civics Conference December 7, 2012
The annual event draws teachers, curriculum specialists and administrators from across Oregon to the State Capitol for an insider’s view of Oregon government. Participants attend workshops led by representatives from all three branches of government and receive resources, formal training and classroom coaching. Learn more by reading below about last year’s conference.
2011/12 Civic Educator Of the Year
Richard English, Parkrose High School
Classroom Law Project recognized Richard English, of Parkrose High School, as the 2011/12 Civic Educator of the Year during the 2011 Oregon Civics Conference. Mr. English posed for a picture with Governor Kitzhaber who was one of the many outstanding speakers at the Conference. Read Classroom Law Project’s Proclamation of Mr. English’s achievements. Learn more about Richard English’s work of civic education on his school’s website or in The Oregonian article.
Congratulations Mr. English!
Teachers learn at the Capitol
Conference with elected officials offers insider’s view of government
On December 2, 2011, in Salem, OR, Governor Kitzhaber welcomed teachers to the Capitol for the annual Oregon Civics Day for Teachers. One hundred teachers from across the state heard not only from the governor, but also Secretary of State Kate Brown, Chief Justice Paul De Muniz and Justice Tom Balmer, Education Policy Advisor Ben Cannon, and others.
It was the fifth annual Oregon Civics Conference for Teachers put on by Classroom Law Project. Teachers selected four of eleven different workshops to attend. They ranged from iCivics, led by teacher Paul Nolan from Pendleton’s Sunridge MS and Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul DeMuniz, to Gearing Up for Elections 2012, by The Oregonian political reporter Janie Har and political analyst Len Bergstein.
Teachers attending the conference returned to the classroom with materials, lesson plans and first-hand information about how Oregon government works.
Teachers enjoyed learning about how their government functions from the folks they put in office as well as networking with colleagues from Vale to Siletz. Jim Dyal, Franklin HS in Portland, put it this way, “(the conference was) inspirational and informative.” He went on to add that Classroom Law Project has, “impacted my professional life in such a positive way; I will always feel indebted.”
The legislature declared the first Friday in December to be Oregon Civics Day for Teachers (ORS 336.029). The law urges school districts to encourage teachers to participate in professional development about civics.
For the full line-up of workshops and presenters click to view the conference agenda.
For coverage of the conference in the Salem Statesman Journal click here.
Oregon Civics Conference 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011, 8:00am – 4:15pm State Capitol Building, 900 Court Street NE, Salem (Map)
View the Conference Agenda
Get an insider’s view of the halls of Oregon government. From those who make laws to those who interpret them, this conference features officials from every branch. It is a day filled with everything we ever wanted to know about Oregon government from the mouths of the folks we put there. Featured speakers include Governor John Kitzhaber, Education Policy Advisor Ben Cannon, Secretary of State Kate Brown, and others.
You will also receive an armload of lessons, materials, and ideas that can be put right to work in classrooms!
Conference Handouts
Elections 101
Don DeFord & Rosalyn Lever – Secretary of State’s Office
History of Elections Powerpoint Presentation
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Woman Suffrage: Century of Action
Prof. Kimberly Jensen – Western Oregon University
Project Citizen
Paul Nolan – Teacher Sundridge Middle School, Pendleton
PC_Resource_Packet.pdf
Gearing Up for Elections 2012
Janie Har – Oregonian; Len Bergstein – Political Analyst
Yes! to Violent Video Games? Exploring Brown v. Entertainment Merchatns Assn.
Hon. Sue Leeson – Oregon Supreme Court, retired
Brown_v._ema_for_oregon_teachers.pdf
Leeson_Handouts_Combined.pdf
Girls Get to Vote, Too!
Marilyn Cover – Executive Director Classroom Law Project
Duniway_Handouts_Combined.pdf
Secretary of State – What’s That About?
Kate Brown – Oregon Secretary of State
Education Policy in Oregon, Where Is It Headed?
Ben Cannon – Education Policy Advisor to the Governor
Unpacking the Court: Understanding Oregon’s Judicial Branch
Hon. Thomas Balmer – Oregon Supreme Court
Peeling the Onion: Oregon Econ with Tears
Steve Novick – Budget Analyst, Civic Leader, Candidate
iCivics: Gaming for Government
Paul Nolan – Teacher, Sunbridge Middle School, Pendleton
Conference Fee
- $50 – One Teacher
- $40 – Per teacher for 2+ teachers from the same school
- $10 – Currently enrolled full-time undergraduate or graduate student
- ADD $25 – Late registration fee (after November 18)
Other Goodies
- Giveaways for all participants
- $50 travel stipend offered for teachers traveling 150+ miles roundtrip (contact CLP if travel requires an overnight stay)
- PDUs available
- Option to receive 0.5 credit from Lewis & Clark College