Primary Source is proud to partner with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to bring the Teaching for Civic Empowerment program to educators across the Commonwealth. The courses were developed by DESE as part of a statewide initiative to strengthen civic learning in Massachusetts schools. Primary Source serves as a facilitating partner, delivering them to Massachusetts Public School educators at no cost.
These courses support civic learning across the 2018 Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework, from inquiry and media literacy in the elementary grades through civic reasoning, dialogue, and participation at the secondary level. They are grounded in inquiry-based teaching and work with primary sources, and they are designed to be practical for teachers to use in their own classrooms.
Massachusetts law also requires every student to complete a student-led civics project, once in middle school and once in high school. Several courses in the program focus specifically on that work, supporting teachers through research, community engagement, and civic action with their students.
Primary Source offers courses throughout the school year in a range of formats. For the full and current listing, including dates and registration, choose the track that fits your role.
How to enroll for free. Courses display a list price in our catalog. Massachusetts public school educators enter coupon code MACIVICS at checkout to enroll at no cost.
TfCE Course Information
Elementary
For K–5 educators. Inquiry strategies for social studies and civics, fostering dialogue with young learners, approaches for teaching hard histories with care, and building the foundations of media literacy early.
Civics Project
For educators leading the student-led civics project. Getting started, supporting student research and community engagement, scaffolding for diverse learners, evaluating sources, and connecting students to the issues that matter in their communities.
Secondary
For middle and high school educators. Using primary sources, inquiry-based approaches, and media and news literacy to strengthen civic learning across subject areas, with powerful pedagogies for civic reasoning, participation, and belonging.
View Secondary Educator Courses
Course Details
- When: courses run throughout the school year, in fall, winter, spring, and summer
- Formats: online asynchronous, live online, and in-person
- PDPs: awarded upon completion; amount varies by course
- Cost: free for Massachusetts public school educators with code MACIVICS
Beyond Teaching For Civic Empowerment
Beyond these Civics Courses, we offer courses, workshops, and book groups for teachers of history, civics, social studies, and the humanities, and we work with more than 75 districts each year on custom professional learning
Browse All Primary Source Courses
Browse All Primary Source Investigating History Courses
Browse ALL Primary Source Investigating History Content Support Courses
Become a Partner District: Bring the benefits of a Primary Source partnership to your school or district! primarysource.org/partnership.
