Welcome to the C3 Teachers Leadership Academy

 A 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.

Year Three has begun.
2026-27

In October, we launched the third year of the C3 Teachers Leadership Academy, bringing together educators committed to advancing inquiry-based teaching and learning. This year’s Academy is organized around five strands, each exploring an important question about how we can deepen, expand, and strengthen inquiry in our classrooms and schools.

  • Curriculum: How can all students inquire?

  • Instruction: How will we grow our inquiry tradecraft?

  • Technology: How should inquiry teachers use AI?

  • Assessment: How do we make instruction the greatest with a GreaTest?

  • Elementary: How can we make elementary social studies great?

Across these five strands, Academy participants are collaborating, experimenting, and developing new approaches to making inquiry an essential part of students’ learning experiences.

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 Two was amazing
      2025-26

          • Assessment: How can a better assessment drive better instruction?

          • Instruction: How can I help all students to inquire?

          • Professional Growth: How do I grow inquiry?
          • Technology: How do I use AI?

         

        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

          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

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          We are Leading Inquiry, Together.