
Public Square | Why are Teachers Uncomfortable Teaching Civics?
From Sandra Day O'Connor Institute by Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy
January 21, 2026 · 41 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the challenges teachers face in teaching civics amidst a polarized climate.
How does today’s polarized climate shape what—and how—civics is taught in America’s classrooms? This Public Square virtual conversation was inspired by the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute’s latest policy brief, “Why Are Teachers Uncomfortable Teaching Civics?” The research offers an urgent look at the challenges many civics educators face when teaching the very subject they were hired to lead. The findings are striking: K–12 civics teachers across the country report feeling underprepared, uns...
Topics covered
- civics education
- teacher challenges
- polarization
- K-12 education
- classroom dynamics
Keywords
- civics
- education
- teachers
- polarization
- K-12
- classroom
- policy brief
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Sandra Day O'Connor Institute
Books & works: Why Are Teachers Uncomfortable Teaching Civics?
More episodes of Sandra Day O'Connor Institute
- Before It Became History | War of 1812: America's Second Fight for Independence · June 12, 2026 · 8 min
- Before It Became History | Ann Bailey: Riding Through Danger, Delivering Hope · June 12, 2026 · 6 min
- Before It Became History | Sybil Ludington: One Rider. One Mission. One Nation · June 12, 2026 · 12 min
- Before It Became History | Peter Salem: A Patriot's Courage Helped Shape a Nation · June 12, 2026 · 4 min
- Before it Became History | Carter Braxton: From Virginia Statesman to American Patriot · June 12, 2026 · 8 min
- Before It Became History | Fort McHenry and the Star-Spangled Banner · June 12, 2026 · 4 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute podcast page.