Five Ways to Teach Truth About the Constitution

Today, powerful figures wield the Constitution — and undermine it — in ways that intensify profound harms. It is essential that students know their rights: not just to pass a test, but to protect themselves. They should learn that throughout U.S. history, people have fought to expand the rights the Constitution promises and to demand the rights it omits.

Schools that receive federal funding are mandated to teach about the Constitution on Constitution Day (September 17). So, let’s do that. Let’s engage young people in an active study of the Constitution on September 17 and all year long.

We offer FIVE ways to Teach Truth About the Constitution.

ONE

Teach honestly about the Constitution. Why it is worded as it is, how it has been amended, and what it allows but also denies to the public. Use any of these free lessons for middle and high school:

Race, Class, and the Constitutional Convention by Bill Bigelow

“Founding” Documents We Don’t Learn About by Mimi Eisen

“We the People”: Whose Rights Does the Constitution Protect? by Jesse Hagopian

A New U.S. Bill of Rights by Larry Miller

On our campaign page, we offer additional lessons about how people have organized and fought for their rights in and beyond the Constitution.

TWO

Make sure students know their rights under the Constitution. These include the right to remain silent, the right to read and the choice of what to read, freedom of speech, and equal protection of the law — which applies to everyone, documented or not. Find resources on our campaign page.

THREE

Engage community members in discussion about the Constitution. Download and post the Ten Ways to Rethink the Constitution gallery walk in a public space and invite participants to share insights and reflections.

FOUR

Read books about the amendments. Focus on stories about how people organized for their rights. In addition to titles for elementary to adult, we list podcasts and student-friendly short films on the campaign page.

FIVE

Share information about the campaign. Encourage everyone to check out the resources and sign up at our campaign page. Post social media graphics about Teach Truth on Constitution Day. Use the hashtag #TeachTruth. Consider adding a note in your own words about why it matters.

SIGN UP. No matter what you do, sign up so the map reflects that educators and community members in every state are committed to teaching truthfully about the Constitution.

You can engage in one or more of the activities above, or plan your own. Read stories teachers have shared about their plans. We’ll send you updates and more resources.

Learn More and Sign Up