Illinois Council for the Social Studies Fall Conference

JMC’s Teacher Programs Manager, Emilee McHorney, will present the following session at the conference:

Bridging Divides: How America’s Founding Ideals Can Promote Unity 

In this interactive session, educators will explore how a shared American identity strengthens democracy by focusing on the common ideals of liberty, equality, and civic duty. Through primary source analysis of foundational texts—from the Declaration of Independence to contemporary speeches—participants will examine how these documents can be used to promote unity in a polarized society. Educators will leave with a primary source analysis handout with speech excerpts and guiding questions, activity ideas, and practical strategies for fostering civic unity in the classroom, empowering students to engage with America’s founding principles in relevant, meaningful ways.