What does it truly look like to empower students as citizens? Justin Glodowski, a 14-year veteran teacher from Wisconsin, reveals practical strategies that transform students from passive learners into active civic participants.
Justin's approach begins with a foundational belief: if we want students to become engaged citizens, we must first teach them how to discuss difficult topics productively. Drawing from his experience teaching AP Government to freshmen, he shares how establishing clear discussion norms creates a classroom environment where students can tackle controversial issues more effectively than many adults on social media.
The magic happens when students take ownership of their learning. Through congressional simulations where students draft legislation on issues from corn mazes to taxation reform, they experience the complexity of governance firsthand. Justin's Socratic seminars—complete with peer evaluation scorecards—develop crucial skills for democratic participation while making abstract concepts tangible.
Perhaps most valuable is Justin's framework for discussing controversial topics through the lens of constitutionality rather than personal opinion. By encouraging students to think like constitutional scholars rather than simply sharing feelings, he elevates classroom discourse and builds critical thinking skills essential for citizenship.
Beyond specific activities, Justin emphasizes the importance of teacher collaboration and professional development. His podcast "Engage" exemplifies his commitment to sharing resources that make civics education interactive and meaningful. When asked what gives him hope, his answer is simple yet profound: students genuinely want to understand their world, and when given the opportunity, they demonstrate remarkable capacity for thoughtful civic dialogue.
Ready to transform your approach to civics education? Listen now to discover specific strategies you can implement immediately to create your own laboratory for democracy.

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