Teach Democracy News
News & Updates
Welcome to Teach Democracy News!
We are excited to welcome you to our official news section, dedicated to promoting civic learning and civic engagement in all schools. Whether you’re a teacher, a school or district administrator, a community leader, or simply someone who believes in the power of informed participation in democracy, you’ve come to the right place.
Civics Is Not a Spectator Sport. California Should Keep Funding It
The California Serves Grant funds the unglamorous work that turns civic learning into a real opportunity for more students.
Teach Democracy Publishes 2025 Impact Report
Teach Democracy’s 2025 Impact Report celebrates this year’s commitment to civic education.
John Adams Middle School Students Fight for the Civics Education Crisis at Regional Expo
More than 200 Los Angeles-area students presented their civic action projects on some of the most pressing issues of the day — from immigration policy to juvenile vaping to eating disorders.
Manhattan Beach Students Win 2nd Place in 1st-Ever California Mock Trial for Middle Schoolers
American Martyrs School in Manhattan Beach recently took second place in California’s first-ever statewide mock trial for middle schoolers.
St. Mel Middle School Wins the First Ever California Mock Trial for Middle Schools
St. Mel Middle School from Woodland Hills won the first-ever California Mock Trial for middle schoolers on April 18, hosted by Teach Democracy at UCLA School of Law.
American Martyrs Students Earn Statewide Mock Trial Award
At the 2026 inaugural California Middle School Trial Finals, held at the UCLA School of Law, American Martyrs students took home place.
California’s Civic Seal is Growing. Now We Must Expand Access
California’s State Seal of Civic Engagement recognizes student civic learning and action, but unequal access to opportunities means not all students can benefit. Expanding equitable civic education is key to ensuring all students can participate fully in democracy.
2025 Annual Celebration – Civic Education is not a Luxury
At a time when civic trust is eroding, misinformation spreads faster than facts, and division is often prioritized over dialogue, Teach Democracy’s 2025 Annual Celebration offered something rare: clarity, courage, and a plan.
What does it look like when civic education helps students truly practice democracy and not just learn about it?
That’s the question at the heart of a recent PBS Inside California Education segment featuring Mountain House High School and our Civic Action Project (CAP).
Civic Education is Gaining Ground and Americans are Taking Notice
By Stephanie Doute, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, Teach Democracy
Amid deep polarization and public concern about the health of American democracy, civic education is emerging as a rare point of national consensus. New research affirms what educators, families, and civic leaders have long argued: Americans value civic learning.
Upcoming Workshop on Middle School Social Studies and Religion
California’s social-studies curriculum calls for middle-school teachers to teach about world religions in the sixth and seventh grades, as well as its role in American history in the eighth grade. The required treatment of religion in the public-school curriculum can be tricky for many teachers. On the one hand, public schools are secular institutions. On the other hand, as the U.S. Supreme Court said in a 1963 case restricting Bible readings in schools.
