2025 Civics for All of US Teacher Institutes
Civics for All of US Teacher Institute participants pose for a group photo at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
Civics for All of US Teacher Institute participants pose for a group photo at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
The 2025 Civics for All of US Teacher Institute is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation.
Educators working with grades 3–12 are invited to apply to attend the 2025 Civics for All of US Teacher Institute with the National Archives in Washington, DC!
The institute will be offered twice: July 14–July 17 and July 29–August 1. Sessions will run from 8:30 am to 4 pm on the first three days; The session on the last day will run from 8:30 am to 1 pm.
Each week, 50 educators will learn how to use National Archives holdings to teach the civic knowledge and skills students need for civic engagement in the 21st century. Focusing on the Declaration of Independence, participants will explore primary sources that shed light on the successes, debates, and challenges in the history of our democracy. The program will also feature resources for sharing differing perspectives in classroom civics lessons. This professional development experience will also highlight student voices in the Archives that demonstrate how civic participation can happen at any age.
Throughout the week, teachers will:
- Participate in hands-on sessions developed by National Archives educators across the country, including the Presidential Libraries and Center for Legislative Archives.
- Dive into the Declaration of Independence and strategies to teach its meaning and significance.
- Learn strategies for teaching with primary sources and making civics connections across curriculum.
- Build confidence in using and accessing education resources from the National Archives, including DocsTeach and Civics for All of US.
- Experience special tours and activities within the exhibits of the National Archives.
- Take part in collaborative group work and discussion with educators from across the country.
- Explore how landmarks and institutions in the nation’s capital can enhance students’ civic learning through site visits.
- Create a plan for how you will share National Archives resources with your students and colleagues and connect with the National Archives in the 2025–2026 school year.
Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. The National Archives Foundation will provide a $1,050 stipend to each participant to help offset the cost of travel and lodging. Full participation is required in order to receive the reimbursement.
Applications are accepted by the National Archives Foundation through March 31, 2025.
Teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum coordinators, and library media specialists currently working with students in grades 3–12 in formal education settings in the United States.
Interested applicants will need to complete an online application hosted by the National Archives Foundation. Applicants will need to answer a series of short-answer questions to explain their interest in attending the institute and how they hope the experience will impact students in their education communities. Additionally, applicants will need to upload their current resumé and one letter of recommendation from a supervisor or colleague at a current or former educational institution.
- Attend the three-and-a-half day teacher institute taking place July 14–July 17 or July 29–August 1, 2025 in Washington, DC.
- Share National Archives resources with your colleagues in the 2025–2026 school year and provide documentation of how you have done so.
- Connect with the National Archives in the 2025–2026 school year through using a DocsTeach activity in your classroom, enrolling your class in a distance learning program or webinar, OR attending one continuing teaching professional development virtual meeting.
- Serve generally as an ambassador for Civics for All of US!
The National Archives Foundation will provide a $1,050 stipend to each participant to help offset the cost of travel and lodging. Full participation is required in order to receive the reimbursement.
The National Archives Foundation will provide breakfast and lunch on all four days of the teacher institute. Accepted applicants will be asked to make note of any specific food allergies and/or dietary restrictions in their paperwork.
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and additional meals.
The program includes active exploration of several Washington, DC, museums and landmarks. Once accepted, applicants will be asked to share accessibility needs prior to the start of the institute. Organizers will work with participants to ensure everyone can be fully engaged and attend all events.
The National Archives will provide documentation of participation, including total number of hours, for all participants.
February 7–March 31: Application Open
April 14: Applicants Notified
April 28: Deadline to Accept
July 14–July 17: Institute Session 1
July 29–August 1: Institute Session 2
Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan made opening remarks at the National Archives in Washington, DC's Civics for All of US Teacher Institute. 
Civics for All of US Teacher Institute attendees toured the National Archives rotunda in Washington, DC. 
Teacher attendees of the Civics for All of Us Teacher Institute at the National Archives in Washington, DC tour the temporary exhibit, All-American, The Power of Sports. 
The Civics for All of US Teacher Institute exposed U.S. educators to primary documents, learning tools to understand the legislative processes, and a variety of experiences designed to support and amplify education of our government processes. Here, attendees toured the National Archives rotunda in Washington, DC. 
Teacher Institute attendees participate in a classroom activity that helps students understand the legislative process.