Special Event
Foundations of Civic Culture
The Importance of Teachers to Free Speech, Civil Discourse, Economics, and Public Policy
Join world‐class educators from around the Southwest as we explore contemporary challenges to free speech and civil discourse in the classroom and address difficult topics, including how to make housing more affordable, gender equity, and the pay gap.
Event Details
Dates and Times
| January 24, 2025 | — | January 25, 2025 |
| 6 — 9:15 PM MST | 8 AM — 3 PM MST |
Location
University of Arizona Phoenix Biomedical Campus Piper Auditorium435 North 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Program
Friday, January 24
6 — 7 PM MST
Registration and Opening Reception
7 — 7:30 PM MST
Opening Remarks
7:30 — 8:15 PM MST
Dinner
8:15 — 9:15 PM MST
Opening Remarks
Saturday, January 25
8 — 9 AM MST
Breakfast
9 — 10 AM MST
Panel Discussion: Can America’s Founding Principles Unite Us Today?
10 — 10:30 AM MST
Break
10:30 — 11:30 AM MST
Workshops
11:30 AM — 1 PM MST
Lunch and Keynote Address: Gender Equality and Compensation
1 — 2 PM MST
Workshops
2 — 2:30 PM MST
Closing Remarks
2:30 — 3 PM MST
Distribution of professional development certificates and stipends
Sphere Education Initiatives and the University of Arizona’s Center for the Philosophy of Freedom are pleased to present our third annual Summit, Foundations of Civic Culture: The Importance of Teachers to Free Speech, Civil Discourse, Economics, and Public Policy, in Phoenix on January 24–25, 2025.
Join world‐class educators from around the Southwest as we explore contemporary challenges to free speech and civil discourse in the classroom and address difficult topics, including how to make housing more affordable, gender equity, and the pay gap. This hands‐on, application‐focused Summit will include interactive panel discussions, expert presentations, and breakout sessions that provide knowledge, tools, and strategies to address pressing issues. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with nationally renowned scholars and academics as well as colleagues from the region and beyond.
This year’s Summit features a keynote presentation by Bryan Caplan, professor of economics at George Mason University. Saturday’s programming will include a panel conversation on the common roots of freedom in America with John E. Schwarz, professor emeritus of public policy at the University of Arizona; a discussion on gender equity and the pay gap with Mary Rigdon, executive director of the Center for the Philosophy of Freedom; and engaging professional development workshops.
Event registration requires a $20 fee, which will be fully refunded in your stipend after completion of the event. Registration includes all meals, books, classroom materials, a stipend, and professional development hours.
Arizona educators traveling more than 60 miles are also eligible for housing assistance. For more information, contact Kerry Montano (kdmontan@arizona.edu) after registering for the event.
Benefits
Built especially for high school teachers and administrators, this event offers the following benefits:
- 8 hours of professional development
- Free classroom resources and books
- 3 meals
- $150 stipend upon completion
Program
Friday, January 24
6 — 7 PM MST
Registration and Opening Reception
7 — 7:30 PM MST
Opening Remarks
7:30 — 8:15 PM MST
Dinner
8:15 — 9:15 PM MST
Opening Remarks
Saturday, January 25
8 — 9 AM MST
Breakfast
9 — 10 AM MST
Panel Discussion: Can America’s Founding Principles Unite Us Today?
10 — 10:30 AM MST
Break
10:30 — 11:30 AM MST
Workshops
11:30 AM — 1 PM MST
Lunch and Keynote Address: Gender Equality and Compensation
1 — 2 PM MST
Workshops
2 — 2:30 PM MST
Closing Remarks
2:30 — 3 PM MST
Distribution of professional development certificates and stipends