NJ 250

Civics and History for the Next Generation (NJ 250) is an initiative funded by the US Department of Education’s American History and Civics-National Activities Grants program to support and strengthen American history and civic education.

NJ 250 supports and strengthens American history and civic education by offering middle school and high school teachers in New Jersey time and resources to develop engaging curricula. NJ 250 focuses on the study of the foundational documents of American democracy (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc.) through engagement of multiple perspectives; understanding the historical, political, social and economic contexts in which the foundational documents were written; the role of economic liberalism in shaping American democracy; how the core values and principles of American democracy (e.g. liberty, limited government, equality, etc.) have been interpreted and applied over the years; and how these enduring values apply to contemporary challenges and opportunities in America.

NJ 250 will allow Montclair to fund a three-year project that includes two initiatives:

• Teacher Fellowship Program
  In each year of the program, 30 middle school and high school teachers will form a cohort that will work with experts in American history, civics, economics, and education to develop engaging curricula in American history, civics, and economics to create dynamic curricula that enhance the teaching and learning of American history, civics, and economic liberty.This fellowship requires in-person attendance at a six-day summer institute (over two weeks in August) and five online, hour-long workshops during the academic year (September through May). Fellows will learn evidence-based pedagogies for sparking interest in American history, civics, and economics among middle and high school students, and work under the guidance of a professional development team that includes university professors with subject matter expertise.. Teachers will be paid $6,000 and their lesson plans and course materials will be made publicly available with proper attribution of the authors(s) .
• Civics Videos
  Teacher cohorts will work with Montclair’s College of Communication and Media to create a series of “Schoolhouse Rock-style” short and long-form videos to spark interest in civics and reach an audience beyond the classroom.

Interested in Applying? Click Here

For more information, please email us at nj250@montclair.edu.

“At Montclair State University, we believe that preparing all learners to be informed, engaged citizens is one of the most essential roles a public-serving institution can fulfill in our society,” said President Jonathan Koppell. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, this work is more urgent than ever. We are honored to lead efforts that will equip educators and students alike to reflect on the principles and values of American democracy so they can be informed and active citizens engaged in the responsibilities of self-government.”