Public Square | Why are Teachers Uncomfortable Teaching Civics?

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?

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