Professional Development
Please Note: To find out more information about the institutes listed or to register click on the corresponding tab on the left side of the page to access the details and/or links.
PROGRAMS
The Declaration of Independence
English and Early American Influences on the development of the U.S. Constitution
The Constitutional Convention
The Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates
The articles of the U.S. Constitution.
Participants will have the opportunity to work at their own pace on portions of the institute, learn from consultants in live sessions, and demonstrate their learning through a variety of activities. Join us and experience hands-on lessons that allow learners to engage with the content and gain a deeper understanding of our nation's history. Explore lessons and strategies that support student success and enrich existing curriculum. Participants receive access to all materials upon completion of the course. For additional details about our virtual learning format, click here.Virtual Session 1: June 7, 9, and 11, 2021
Live Sessions from 10:00-11:30 a.m. on each of the three days.
Virtual Session 2: Session 2: July 19,21, and 23, 2021
Live Sessions from 10:00-11:30 a.m. on each of the three days.
Registration will open here on April 19, 2021.
This training is free of charge.
Characteristics of good citizens
Community Helpers
Symbols, customs, and celebrations that represent America’s identity
These concepts are explored through guided and shared reading/writing opportunities appropriate for kindergarten through 3rd grade students. To support the teaching of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) a variety of rich materials such as historical children’s books, primary sources, poems, songs, and biographies are part of this professional learning. Explore lessons and strategies that support student success and enrich existing curriculum. Participants receive access to all materials upon completion of the course.Participants will have the opportunity to work at their own pace on portions of the institute, learn with consultants in live sessions, and demonstrate their learning through a variety of activities. For additional details about our virtual learning format, click here.
Session 1: June 1, 2021
Live Sessions from 9:00-11:00 a.m. each day and 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Session 2: July 13, 2021
Live Sessions from 9:00-11:00 a.m. each day and 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Registration will open here on April 19, 2021.
Course Credit: Teachers will receive 6 hours for this institute. This is based on the successful completion of all asynchronistic components of the course and attendance at the live facilitated sessions.
This training is free of charge !!
Civic Participation
Characteristics of good citizens
Texas Government
Declaration of Independence
Preamble of the U.S. Constitution
These concepts will be explored through reading/writing opportunities appropriate for 4th grade through 5th grade students. To support the teaching of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), a variety of rich materials such as children’s texts, primary sources, poems, songs, and biographies are part of the professional learning.Participants will have the opportunity to work at their own pace on portions of the institute, learn with consultants in live sessions, and demonstrate their learning through a variety of activities. For additional details about our virtual learning format, click here.
Session 1: June 2-3, 2021
Live Sessions from 9:00-11:00 a.m. each day and 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Session 2: July 14-15, 2021
Live Sessions from 9:00-11:00 a.m. each day and 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Registration will open here on April 19, 2021.
Course Credit: Teachers will receive 12 hours for this institute. This is based on the successful completion of all asynchronistic components of the course and attendance at the live facilitated sessions.
This training is free of charge !!
Domestic Policies of the early Presidents
Foreign Policies of the early Presidents
Political Parties
Reconstruction
Participants will have the opportunity to work at their own pace on portions of the institute, learn from scholars and consultants in live sessions, and demonstrate their learning through a variety of activities.Join us and experience hands-on lessons that allow learners to engage with the content and gain a deeper understanding of our nation's history. Explore lessons and strategies that support student success and enrich existing curriculum. Participants receive access to all materials upon completion of the course. For additional details about our virtual learning format, click here.
Session 1: June 21-24, 2021
Live Sessions from 10:00-11:30 a.m. each day.
Session 2: July 12-15, 2021
Live Sessions from 10:00-11:30 a.m. each day.
Registration will open here on April 19, 2021.
School Year Sessions will be available. Dates and times will be posted in August.
Course Credit: Teachers will receive 12 hours for this institute. This is based on the successful completion of all asynchronistic components of the course and attendance at the live facilitated sessions.
This training is free of charge !!
Gilded and Progressive Eras
New Deal
Cold War
Civil Rights
Participants will have the opportunity to work at their own pace on portions of the institute, learn from scholars and consultants in live sessions, and demonstrate their learning through a variety of activities.Join us and experience hands-on lessons that allow learners to engage with the content and gain a deeper understanding of our nation's history. Explore lessons and strategies that support student success and enrich existing curriculum. Participants receive access to all materials upon completion of the course. For additional details about our virtual learning format, click here.
Session 1: June 21-24, 2021
Live Sessions from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. each day.
Session 2: July 12-15, 2021
Live Sessions from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. each day.
Registration will open here on April 19, 2021.
School Year Sessions will be available. Dates and times will be posted in August.
Course Credit: Teachers will receive 12 hours for this institute. This is based on the successful completion of all asynchronistic components of the course and attendance at the live facilitated sessions.
This training is free of charge !!
Review resources include:
- Mix, Match, Freeze on Key STAAR Dates
- Review Dominoes for every era of history
- History in Pictures - Utilize visuals to review and tell the political, economic, and social history of our nation
- Hexagonal Thinking of each era
- Sneak Peek Packs
School Year Sessions will be available. Dates and times will be posted in August.
This training is free of charge !!
Working with consultants, participants will learn and receive valuable content, methods, and resources. Content presentations are reinforced with practical activities which will be made available to all participants.
Review Resources include:
- Mix, Match, Freeze on Key STAAR Dates
- Review Dominoes for every era of history
- History in Pictures - Utilize visuals to review and tell the political, economic, and social history of our nation
- Hexagonal Thinking of each era
- Review crossword puzzles
The virtual course offers on-demand lessons along with two live sessions to explore strategies to support teaching and learning.
School Year Sessions will be available. Dates and times will be posted in August.
This training is free of charge !!
Principles of the U.S. and Texas constitutions
The role the principles play in the structure of our government.
The U.S. Bill of Rights
American Heroes: Past and Present
Join us and experience hands-on lessons that allow learners to engage with the content and gain a deeper understanding of our state’s history and government. Explore lessons and strategies that support student success and enrich existing curriculum. Participants receive access to all materials upon completion of the course. For additional details about our virtual learning format, click here.Session 1: June 14-15, 2021
Live Sessions from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. each day.
Session 2: July 7-8, 2021
Live Sessions from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. each day.
Registration will open here on April 19, 2021.
Course Credit: Teachers will receive 12 hours for this virtual institute. This is based on the successful completion of all asynchronistic components of the course and attendance at the live facilitated sessions.
THIS INSTITUTE IS FREE OF CHARGE !!!!
This 12-hour institute includes both asynchronous learning and live sessions. It is designed to provide an opportunity for teachers to explore:
The eras of Texas history
The uniqueness of Texas government
Events that have shaped modern Texas.
Participants will have the opportunity to work at their own pace on portions of the institute, learn from scholars and consultants in live sessions, and demonstrate their learning through a variety of activities.Join us and experience hands-on lessons that allow learners to engage with the content and gain a deeper understanding of our state’s history and government. Explore lessons and strategies that support student success and enrich existing curriculum. Participants receive access to all materials upon completion of the course. For additional details about our virtual learning format, click here.
Session 1: June 28-29, 2021
Live Sessions from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. each day.
Session 2: July 22-23, 2021
Live Sessions from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. each day.
Registration will open here on April 19, 2021.
School Year Sessions will be available. Dates and times will be posted in August. Course Credit: Teachers will receive 12 hours for this institute. This is based on the successful completion of all asynchronistic components of the course and attendance at the live facilitated sessions.
THIS TRAINING IS FREE OF CHARGE !!
Different aspects of public policy
The impact of interest groups, political parties, and the media
U.S. Supreme Court cases
How to engage students with simulations and interactive activities.
This course is also aligned with the redesign of the AP Government curriculum.
Join us and experience hands-on lessons that allow learners to engage with the content and gain a deeper understanding of our state’s history and government. Explore lessons and strategies that support student success and enrich existing curriculum. Participants receive access to all materials upon completion of the course.
School Year Sessions will be available. Dates and times will be posted in August.
Course Credit: Teachers will receive 6 hours for this institute. This is based on the successful completion of all asynchronistic components of the course and attendance at the live facilitated sessions.
This training is free of charge.
This NEW 12-hour institute includes both asynchronous learning and live sessions. It is designed to:
- Provide students with civic knowledge of the institutions and characteristics of government along with opportunities to evaluate information sources.
- Provide knowledge of political institutions.
- Utilize historical and current examples and ask students to explore political involvement, community involvement, and opportunities for civic interaction.
- Increase student awareness of opportunities to become a more active citizen in their school, community, state, and nation.
- Provide opportunities for students to explore and report on examples of civic engagement.
Session: June 30 - July 1, 2021
Live Sessions from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. each day.
Registration will open here on April 19, 2021.
Course Credit: Teachers will receive 12 hours for this institute. This is based on the successful completion of all asynchronistic components of the course and attendance at the live facilitated sessions.
This training is free of charge.
Do you need help with your district professional development staff days?
Let Law-Related Education help you customize learning for your elementary and secondary audiences. From one hour to six hour sessions, these low to no cost options can help you meet the content and pedagogy needs of your teachers.
School districts, regional service centers, local bar associations, and other entities can request programs throughout the year. Please contact Jan Miller at jmiller@texasbar.com to inquire about setting up a session.
The following topics are currently available. Let us help you mix and match.
Process Topics:
- Using event cards
- Navigating the website
- Using literature to teach Social Studies
- Simulations for the elementary classroom
Content Topics:
- Characteristics of Good Citizens
- Community Helpers
- Symbols, Customs, and Celebrations
- Systems of Government
- Country Cards
- LRE Website Exploration
- Mock Trials
- Civic Engagement/Civics Works
- Understanding Eras of Texas History
- Comparing Texas Constitutions
- Unique Branches of Texas Government
- Civil Rights and Modern Era in Texas
- Institutions of Government
- Principles of the Constitution (both U.S. and Texas)
- U.S. Constitution
- Bill of Rights
- Public Policy
- Interest Groups/Political Parties
- Presidential Nomination Process
- Judicial Nomination Process
- Incorporation and the Bill of Rights
- Founding Documents
- Constitutional Convention
- Origin and Evolution of Political Parties
- Early Republic - Domestic Policies
- Early Republic - Foreign Policies
- Civil War
- Reconstruction
- Gilded and Progressive Eras
- New Deal and Changing Role of Government
- Conflicts in U.S. History
- Civil Rights
- Modern America
- Review Strategies for STAAR and/or EOC