Gov. Kate Brown opens the 2016 Oregon Civics Conference from Civics Learning Project on Vimeo.
Over one hundred and sixty teachers from around Oregon gathered at the state capitol in Salem on December 2 for the Oregon Civics Conference for Teachers. The annual event provides educators of grades 5-12 with an insider’s view of Oregon government in recognition of Civic Education for Teachers Day.
Gov. Kate Brown kicked off this year’s conference, speaking about the value of Civic Education. The opening session also included the presentation of the Civic Educator of the Year award. This year’s recipient is Ray Brown, a long-time educator and mock trial coach who has inspired students at Eastern Oregon University and in schools in Imbler and Warren.
Conference attendees then enjoyed a variety of breakout sessions. Highlights this year included Post-Election Wrap-Up with OPB’s Jeff Mapes and Geoff Norcross; Understanding Oregon’s Same Sex Marriage Case with the Governor’s Deputy General Counsel Misha Isaak; Corrections Reform, a discussion with Oregon Chief Justice (retired) Paul De Muniz; and Civil Rights Division: Its Role in the OR AG’s Office with division director and attorney Erious Johnson.