The Center for Constitutional Law at the University of Nevada, Reno, in partnership with the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, will welcome K–12 educators from across Nevada this July for the 2026 Summer Teacher’s Institute at the University’s Lake Tahoe campus. The Institute is grounded in themes designed to deepen constitutional knowledge and strengthen civic education in Nevada classrooms. Together, the two organizations will combine scholarly expertise with statewide K–12 outreach to deliver a program rooted in both academic rigor and practical classroom application. 

And, in response to strong demand, the Institute will now expand its impact with an additional “advanced track” week designed specifically for master teachers and led by nationally renowned constitutional scholars. 

“This advanced week is about going beyond the basics,” said Rick Trachok, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Law. “We have been very intentional in curating both the content and the speakers to create a truly high-level experience for master teachers, one that challenges them, energizes them and ultimately elevates what happens in their classrooms.” 

The University’s Lake Tahoe campus is an ideal location for the Institute to take place, as its intimate setting provides space for deep dialogue and reflection.  

Below is an overview of the upcoming Institute, broken down into two sessions: 

Session one: July 13–17 – “We the People” 

The first week will center on the nationally recognized “We the People” curriculum, providing teachers with a foundation in constitutional principles, civic knowledge and instructional strategies. “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” is a prominent civic education program for elementary, middle and high school students.  

Session two (advanced track): July 19–22 – “Our Constitution”  

The second week marks a major step forward for the Institute. 

Carefully curated by the Center for Constitutional Law, this advanced week is designed specifically for experienced college-level educators ready to engage at a higher level. Building on the first week’s foundation, the Center has organized an exceptional group of nationally recognized constitutional scholars and legal experts, including Burt Neuborne, professor at New York University School of Law and founding legal director of the Brennan Center for Justice, and Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law and one of the nation’s leading constitutional law scholars. 

Participants will explore complex constitutional questions, the evolution of legal interpretation and contemporary debates shaping American democracy. Morning sessions will feature lectures and discussions with guest scholars, while afternoons will focus on collaborative curriculum design, ensuring that advanced content translates into meaningful classroom practice. By bringing nationally renowned scholars into direct conversation with Nevada educators, the program creates a powerful multiplier effect, extending its impact to the thousands of students those teachers reach each year. 

Strengthening civic education across Nevada 

The Summer Teacher’s Institute is a cornerstone of the Center’s broader mission to strengthen civic education statewide. By investing in teachers through rigorous, meaningful professional development, the program supports both educator growth and long-term student impact. 

“Great teaching inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and civic responsibility in the next generation, values that lie at the core of the College of Liberal Arts’ mission," said Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Casilde Isabelli. "The Center’s Summer Teacher’s Institute provides educators with the opportunity to exchange ideas, deepen their civic knowledge, and return to their classrooms with renewed purpose. We are excited to welcome educators from across the state to Lake Tahoe this summer and to support the important work they do in shaping future informed and engaged citizens.” 

How do I get involved as a State of Nevada teacher? 

Applications for the 2026 Summer Teacher’s Institute are now open. Interested educators can learn more and apply at Nevada Center for Civic Engagement Summer Institute Application.