Former Chiefs WebBrief: The Role of Civic Education in Preparing Students for Their Future and to Keep the Republic Strong

Presented by Dr. Jem Spectar, President, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

This program is part of a series of WebBriefs hosted by The Alliance of Former Chief State School Officers.

There is no CE certificate for this program.

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As we reflect on the nation’s journey and look ahead to the next 250 years, this WebBrief, hosted by the Alliance of Former Chief State School Officers, explores the vital role educators play in sustaining a healthy democracy. Dr. Jem Spectar, constitutional law expert and President of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, shares insights on how strengthening civic education can equip students with the knowledge, skills, and disposition needed for active citizenship.

Viewers learn key strategies for integrating civic learning with civic action in classrooms to foster critical thinking, reduce polarization, and prepare students to contribute positively to their communities and country.

The mission of the Alliance of Former Chief State School Officers is to explore and support important education issues with a collegial, thoughtful, reasonable, and just approach that provides perspective and supports leadership in providing excellent and equitable education.

About the Presenter

Dr. Jem Spectar is President of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a position he has held since 2007. Since then, the campus launched new nursing, business, and engineering schools, expanded competitive degree programs, built several major facilities, ramped up community engagement, and quadrupled the endowment. These transformative developments have elevated the institution’s stature, profile, and impact. Under Dr. Spectar’s leadership, UPJ developed a unique American Democracy Scholar Certificate and is also partnering with K-12 schools through the American Civic Education Initiative.

Dr. Spectar has emerged as a leading voice and thought leader on the issue of preserving American democracy. He has written several op-ed pieces and given media interviews about the urgency of working together to sustain democracy for posterity, including articles such as “Could an American Democracy Corps help save the Republic?” and “Democracy Needs Civic Engagement” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). Dr. Spectar recently delivered the keynote address on Constitution Day at the National Constitution Center.