News and Photos

June 2026

Civic Engagement Academies

Civic Engagement Academies are student-centered learning experiences that combine historical inquiry, critical thinking, and civic learning with authentic opportunities for civic action. Through the examination of primary sources, historical events, and contemporary issues, students develop an understanding of how individuals and groups have shaped their communities and nation. Participants then apply this learning by identifying local issues, engaging with stakeholders, and taking informed action to create positive change within their schools or communities, strengthening their knowledge, skills, and dispositions as active citizens.

January 10, 2026

The APEX grant proudly hosted its inaugural in-person professional learning event—Gilder Lehrman Symposium 1: Life in Colonial America in the Lead-Up to the Revolution—and what an inspiring start it was!

Educators explored the everyday lives of Patriots, Loyalists, and undecided colonists, examining the arguments for and against independence and how these choices shaped political, social, and economic life in colonial America.

We were honored to learn from historian Rebecca Brannon, associate professor at James Madison University, whose scholarship brings powerful insight into the Loyalist experience during and after the Revolution.

The day continued with elementary and secondary breakout sessions led by master teachers from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, including Tim Bailey and Jim Coe—connecting rich historical content directly to classroom practice.

60 educators
9 Virginia school districts
One shared commitment to inquiry-driven history instruction!

This was just the beginning—and we can’t wait for what’s ahead!

Explore. Engage. Elevate. 

April 25, 2026

APEX Symposium 2: Exploring the American Revolution with Dr. John Fea

The APEX community recently came together for our second Gilder Lehrman Institute (GLI) Symposium—an engaging and thought-provoking experience centered on the theme of the American Revolution. This session brought together 48 dedicated educators for a day of rich historical content, collaborative inquiry, and classroom-ready application.

Learning from a Leading Historian

Participants had the opportunity to learn from renowned historian John Fea, whose scholarship and storytelling brought new depth to the study of the American Revolution. Dr. Fea guided educators through key ideas surrounding the origins, complexities, and lasting significance of the Revolution, encouraging participants to think beyond traditional narratives.

His session emphasized:

• The multiple perspectives that shaped the Revolutionary era

• The tensions and uncertainties faced by colonists

• The importance of examining the Revolution as an ongoing process rather than a single event

Through this lens, teachers were invited to reconsider how the Revolution is taught and how students can engage more deeply with its meaning.

Bridging Content and Classroom Practice

Following the keynote, participants engaged in pedagogy sessions led by two outstanding GLI Master Teachers:

• Secondary Cohort: Jim Coe, Newark Academy (NJ)

• Elementary Cohort: Dale Hoggatt, Pittsburg State University Faculty

These sessions were designed to translate historical content into meaningful classroom experiences, emphasizing inquiry, student voice, and evidence-based thinking.

Educators explored:

• Strategies for scaffolding complex historical texts

• Techniques to support student discourse and deliberation

• Methods for building historical empathy and perspective-taking

• Practical ways to align instruction with the C3 Framework and disciplinary literacy practices

A Community of Inquiry and Practice

Throughout the day, APEX participants collaborated, reflected, and built connections across grade levels and disciplines. The energy in each session reflected a shared commitment to elevating civic understanding and historical thinking in classrooms.

With 48 educators actively engaged, this symposium continues to build momentum toward APEX’s mission:
Explore. Engage. Elevate.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our GLI Symposium series, we remain focused on providing high-quality, content-rich professional learning that empowers educators and inspires students. We are grateful to our partners at the Gilder Lehrman Institute and to our incredible participants for making this experience so impactful.