Teaching students to share, take turns, resolve conflicts, work together, and participate in their school and community are the building blocks of civic life. From gathering on the classroom rug to visiting the local fire station, elementary educators help children learn how communities function and how people contribute to them. Yet many teachers may not think of this work as civic education.
The Maine Civics Network (MCN) is seeking your ideas and experiences to help strengthen civics learning in Maine’s elementary schools. We invite elementary educators to join a statewide conversation about how to make civics learning more visible, meaningful, and community-connected for young learners.
Through this listening tour, participants will:
Share innovative practices and successful approaches already happening in their schools; Identify key elements of effective, community-engaged civics learning; and Discuss challenges and opportunities for expanding civic engagement in elementary education.
As a first step in building a stronger statewide network, MCN will host two in-person listening sessions in Fall 2026:
Portland: Friday, October 2, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., University of Southern Maine
Bangor: Thursday, October 8, 20269:30a.m.–2:00 p.m. Husson University
We hope to bring together educators representing the cultural, geographic, and community diversity of Maine. Our goal is to create a statewide web of peer support, shared resources, and access to successful practices that strengthen civic learning for all students.
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Attendees will receive Contact Hour Certificates. Travel assistance is available for those who need it, and we especially encourage educators from rural communities to participate.
Interested in joining the conversation?
Fill out the register form below and select the date and meeting place you would like to attend.
Together, we can help build engaging, meaningful civic learning experiences for Maine’s youngest citizens.
Registration questions? Email: Info@mainecivics.net
