U.S. Constitution Social Studies Educator Workshop 2026

Presenting Sponsor

Logo of the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute, with the name written in gold capital letters on a light background, reflecting Our Impact and commitment to excellence.

Collaborative Partners:

Logo for the National Constitution Center with white text on a blue background and three horizontal red and white stripes on the right side, honoring Sandra Day O'Connor and resembling elements of the American flag.
Logo of the Organization of American Historians, featuring "OAH" in large white letters within a blue rectangle above the full name in black capital letters on a white background.

Deep Dive into the History of the U.S. Constitution

June 7-12, 2026 | National Constitution Center, Philadelphia

Educators, you are invited to join the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute as we proudly sponsor a special week-long opportunity this June in which middle and high school social studies educators will take a deep dive into the history of the U.S. Constitution. In partnership with the National Constitution Center and Organization of American Historians, participants will have the opportunity to learn from Annette Gordon-Reed and David Blight, as well as other historians and legal scholars throughout the week, to learn about and engage with topics of constitutional history surrounding the founding era, the Civil War, and beyond.

Selected educators will explore the National Constitution Center’s exhibit spaces, historical landmarks around Old City Philadelphia, and other cultural institutions in the area to deepen historical understandings and build meaningful connections to classroom practice.

Don’t miss this dynamic discussion on the past, present, and future of the Constitution.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 23, 2026!

Apply Today!

Guest Speakers

A woman with black braided hair smiles next to the cover of the book "The Hemingses of Monticello" by Annette Gordon-Reed, which explores history connected to the U.S. Constitution and features a historic building and award badges.

Annette Gordon-Reed

President of the Organization of American Historians, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author

A man with glasses and gray hair sits outdoors beside the cover of a book titled "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom" by David W. Blight, which explores Douglass’s legacy and his views on the U.S. Constitution.

David Blight

Pulitzer Prize Winner | Sterling Professor of History, Yale University

U.S. Constitution Teacher Workshop Criteria:

Date: Sunday, June 7 - Friday, June 12, 2026
Applications Open: Now through Jan. 23, 2026
Location: National Constitution Center | Philadelphia

This intensive is open to all social studies educators who currently work in 6th–12th-grade classrooms and are interested in learning more about the history of the U.S. Constitution.

Participants will be responsible for completing the reading assignments before the intensive begins. This will include book chapters, academic articles, and additional scholarly readings. Participants will also be responsible for completing readings throughout the week, in addition to the schedule of scholar talks, panel discussions, and time at cultural institutions.

The year's programming highlights will include:

  • Hear from constitutional scholars, legal experts, and historians as they discuss key components of constitutional history and ask questions about relevant topics today.
  • Probe the drafting of the Constitution, its development as the national charter down to the Civil War, its re-imaging during Reconstruction’s “second founding,” and the history of some of the most important case law over time, especially Supreme Court decisions.
  • Learn about the origins of, questions about, and modern interpretations of the U.S. Constitution through intensive sessions throughout the week.
  • Explore the Center’s exhibition spaces and visit cultural institutions and historic sites around Old City Philadelphia, contemplating meaningful ways to bring those experiences back to the classroom.

Cost

The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute is pleased to provide a stipend to cover travel and lodging for all participants, as well as breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on both the opening and closing nights. Ticket costs for visiting cultural institutions in Old City Philadelphia will also be covered. All other expenses are the responsibility of the participant.