Foundation to Facilitate Luncheons and Candid Conversations for Teachers

This “From the Foundation” article was originally published in the Winter 2026 issue of The Federal Lawyer.

By Stephen Jackson

One of the tenets of the Foundation’s Mission Statement is to “promote and support legal research and education.” The centerpiece of that effort has become civics education and, specifically, helping teachers to better understand the purpose and function of the federal courts. One of the best ways to achieve that goal is to give teachers first-hand exposure to our judges and the courts through teachers’ institutes.

Teachers have reported that the professional development programs sponsored by their local federal courts help them teach more effectively about the Third Branch because the courtroom observations, realistic simulations, and candid conversations at the center of these programs take them behind the scenes of the legal system. They report that these firsthand experiences deepen their understanding beyond textbooks and lesson plans.

Prior to the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, approximately 25 courts sponsored teacher’s institutes. The pandemic reduced the response to these programs and put courts in a position to rebuild their programming and outreach to teachers.

I am pleased to announce that the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association is offering to provide an interactive luncheon at teachers’ institutes across the country to further incentivize educators to register for programs at their local federal courthouses. The Foundation committed to this program under the leadership of out-going Foundation President U.S. District Judge Michael Newman, and we have raised $35,000 in funding as of October 2025.

Written feedback from teachers who participate in institutes—ranging from one day to five days across the country—validates the importance of informal interactions that open up conversations with judges and attorneys about the principles and procedures that create a high-functioning court system.

Research consistently highlights the critical role of teachers’ knowledge, skills, and insights in the effective delivery of civics education. However, many teachers report a lack of confidence in their ability to teach law-related civics education about the Third Branch. To address this deficit, federal courts have conducted teachers’ institutes for more than 20 years and have found that these programs are well attended and well received. Teachers reach the next generation of lawyers, judges, jurors, journalists, expert witnesses, and engaged citizens. Institutes also motivate teachers to request federal courts’ classroom and courtroom programs for their students.

The funds raised by the Foundation will allow local FBA chapters to host catered lunches directly following the morning session of the teachers’ institutes at their local federal courthouses. During the FBA’s post-event luncheon, federal judges and FBA volunteers will facilitate a candid conversation with the teachers about the Third Branch. Teachers will have the opportunity to raise questions on any topic, including subject matter they find difficult to teach about the courts.

Chapter board members should submit funding requests to foundation@fedbar.org. Requests will be considered for funding on a rolling basis until September 30, 2026, or until funds have been exhausted. Each chapter may be reimbursed up to $1,000 for catering the luncheon event following one teachers’ institute program.