The National Constitution Center’s Scholar Exchange program builds on the great Classroom Exchanges FBA judicial members already have successfully led. The program invites students to actively participate, interact with judges, and truly learn enduring Constitutional principles desperately needed in America today. Scholar Exchanges were created to balance information and conversation. Students are encouraged to ask questions, respond to questions posed by the scholar and moderator, and reflect on what the scholar shares. Here’s how this innovative program works:
- Sessions are comprised of a scholar, moderator, and at least one class with middle school, high school, or college level students.
- Sessions run about 45-60 minutes and are scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays, at times based on the availability of the teacher and students.
- Scholars introduce the historical background of the constitution topic or amendment, discuss the changing case law, and provide an overview of any modern day cases or issues surrounding the topic. The moderator will pass along student questions throughout the session.
- Scholars will receive a briefing document, script, and PowerPoint presentation to help reduce or eliminate any necessary planning or preparation beforehand.
- Members of the Education Team will be available to provide the historical background portion of the session, depending on scholar preferences. This is, again, in an effort to respect your busy schedules and reduce any preparation before the session.
Click here for more information about the Scholar Exchanges on the National Constitution Center website. Topics rotate seasonally and include the Bill of Rights, Freedom of Speech, Principles of the American Revolution, the Fourth Amendment, and more.
We have a training session scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2022, via Zoom at 3 pm ET. Sarah Harris, Manager of Education at the National Constitution Center, will conduct the training and record the live session for those who cannot attend. We also will schedule additional trainings throughout the year. Leading these Scholar Exchanges is extremely rewarding and part of our Constitutional duty. Click here to register!
The National Constitution Center and its leaders are thankful for our continued support as they work to promote constitutional literacy and civil dialogue to students across the country. This is a remarkable opportunity for the FBA to collaborate with the National Constitution Center and rededicate ourselves to the highest principles associated with being part of the FBA community of judges and lawyers.