The Academy

Welcome to the C3 Teachers Leadership Academy

 A year-long journey into the heart of inquiry-based social studies teaching.

The C3 Teachers Leadership Academy is a vibrant community of educators and leaders transforming social studies through inquiry. Whether you’re new to inquiry or a seasoned practitioner, the Academy offers a powerful blend of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

 

What is the Academy?

The C3 Leadership Academy is a professional learning experience designed to nurture, energize, and connect educators committed to advancing inquiry-based social studies. Inspired by the classic tradition of Plato’s Academy, our model is built on reflection, dialogue, and action.

Over nine months, participants engage in:

  • Virtual and in-person learning experiences
  • Individual and collaborative inquiry projects
  • Peer coaching and mentorship
  • Webinars, workshops, and innovative sessions

Read more about The Academy →

Why Join?

  • Grow Your Practice: Deepen your expertise in the Inquiry Design Model and C3 Framework.
  • Lead with Purpose: Strengthen your leadership skills to support inquiry in your school or district.
  • Collaborate with Peers: Join a network of dedicated educators working to reimagine social studies.
  • Engage in Innovation: Experiment with new tools, ideas, and models of professional learning.

Year One Highlights.
2024-25

  • 14 Teams, 65 Participants, 72 Building Block Inquiries
  • 2 On-Site Meetings, 7 Webinars, 36 Coaching Sessions
  • Sound Baths, Inquiry Prom, Academy Graduation
  • Topics: Elementary Inquiry, AI, Formative Assessment, Leadership

 

What’s New in Year Two?
2025-26

  • Assessment: How can a better assessment drive better instruction?
  • The Inquiry Teacher Book Study: How can we make elementary great again?
  • Instruction: How can I help all students to inquire?
  • Professional Growth: How do I grow inquiry?
  • Technology: How do I use AI?

Our Plans for Year Three.
2026-27

  • How do I grow my own inquiry strand within my department, school, district, state, grant, and/or galaxy?
  • How do I better assess inquiry?
  • How do I leverage AI in inquiry?
  • How do we beget elementary inquiry-based social studies?
  • How do I help all students inquire?
  • What can Uganda teach us about inquiry?

Voices from the Academy

“This Academy changed the way I think about professional learning.” – Academy Participant
“I found my people and my purpose.” – Inquiry Leader from Illinois
“Our district is forever changed because of this experience.” – Team Leader from Kentucky

Stay in the Loop

Subscribe to the C3 Teachers newsletter to get updates, stories, and resources from the Academy.

We are Leading Inquiry, Together.