Teach with TVW

Juneteenth is a national commemoration of freedom, but it is also an opportunity to explore the local histories that connect our communities to the broader American story.

During the 2026 Juneteenth flag raising ceremony at the Washington State Capitol, Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne highlighted the story of Charles Mitchell, a 13-year-old enslaved boy who escaped from Olympia to freedom in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1860.

Mitchell's story reminds us that the history of slavery, freedom, law, and justice is not confined to one region of the country. It is part of Washington's history as well.

This carousel explores Mitchell's journey, the significance of Juneteenth, and the ongoing work to understand the lasting impacts of slavery through the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush Study on Reparative Action.

Civic learning is strongest when we connect national events to the people, places, and stories closest to home.

📬 KID LETTERS | Case File #003

"Why do some people feel the need to cheat just to gain power or money?"

As America celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976, Washington student Diane Wold wrote Governor Dan Evans with concerns about corruption, public trust, education funding, and the future of the country.

In this episode of Kid Letters, produced in partnership with the Washington State Archives, we revisit Diane's thoughtful letter and Governor Evans' response, reminding us that young people have always had important questions about the future of our democracy.

🇺🇸 As we approach America's 250th anniversary, these student voices from the Bicentennial era offer a powerful window into our shared history.

📂 Presented in partnership with the Washington State Archives.

📬 KID LETTERS: CASE FILE #002
What did Governor Evans think about income taxes?
How did kids conduct their research in 1976?

In March 1976, 10th grader Joanne Erb wrote directly to Governor Dan Evans with a question that Washingtonians are still debating today: should the state adopt an income tax to help pay for public schools?

At the time, the issue was already a major topic of public discussion. Washington voters had rejected income tax proposals earlier in the decade, but Governor Evans remained a supporter of the idea.

Joanne wanted to know why.

Nearly 50 years later, we're reopening Joanne's letter and the Governor's response as part of KID LETTERS, a series created in partnership with the Washington State Archives.

KID LETTERS explores real correspondence between Washington students and elected leaders, uncovering the questions, curiosity, and civic engagement that became part of our state's history.
📂 Case File #002: Joanne Erb
📍 Washington State | 1976
Watch now and discover how a student's question about funding schools became part of Washington's historical record.
Presented in partnership with the Washington State Archives.

📬 NEW SERIES: KID LETTERS

What happens when a student writes directly to the Governor?
In 1976, Bothell student Kevin Clark decided to send a letter to Governor Dan Evans. His question was simple: did anyone else write to the Governor... and where did the Governor like to vacation?

Nearly 50 years later, we're reopening Kevin's letter and the Governor's response as part of a new series created in partnership with the Washington State Archives.
KID LETTERS explores real correspondence between Washington students and elected leaders, uncovering the questions, curiosity, and civic engagement that became part of our state's history.

📂 Case File #001: Kevin Clark
📍 Bothell, WA | 1976

Watch now and join us each week as we open another case file from Washington's archives.

Presented in partnership with the Washington State Archives.

💬“Our students actually see legislation going through each stage… and it all becomes real.”

Students at Charles Wright Academy, participants in the 2026 Capitol Classroom program, explored real legislation connected to AI, energy policy, and Washington’s future, even delivering testimony before legislative committees in Olympia.

Through Capitol Classroom, students don’t just study civics, they experience democracy firsthand. They ask questions, engage in policy discussions, and discover that their voices can shape change.

💬 “Before this, I thought I wasn’t impacted by legislative decisions at all… now I feel like even as a student, you can be the difference.”

📣 Recruitment is NOW OPEN for the 2027 Capitol Classroom program!
🗓 January–May 2027
🔗 Learn more at teachwithtvw.org

Calling all Washington civics and social studies teachers: bring real-world civic engagement into your classroom and empower students to become active participants in democracy.

Ever wondered how someone gets on the ballot in Washington?

It starts during Candidate Filing Week, when hundreds of people across the state officially enter the race.

From online filing to randomized ballot order, the process is designed to keep elections fair, transparent, and open to all.

Because democracy works best when people participate.

Teach with TVW joined the University of Washington School of Law for the “Neither Sword Nor Purse” Symposium. The phrase comes from the Federalist Papers, where Alexander Hamilton described the judiciary as having neither the sword nor the purse, emphasizing its dependence on public trust and the rule of law.

Hear from legal experts, professors, judges, and educators on why civic education is essential, and how with that knowledge we can better prepare students to engage in civic life.

Watch the whole symposium at tvw.org and the panel on Communicating with the Public with this direct link: https://www.tvw.org/watch/?clientID=9375922947&eventID=2026041006&startStreamAt=5407&stopStreamAt=8493

Judicial independence is a cornerstone of democracy—but it depends on public trust and understanding.

Corey is attending the University of Washington School of Law Symposium, where leaders across the legal and education fields are examining the rule of law, civic education, and the public’s relationship with the courts.

She’ll also join a Saturday panel to discuss the importance of civic education and how to promote more civic engagement.

🎥 Watch it live on TVW today: https://tvw.org/video/university-of-washington-school-of-law-symposium-2026041005/?eventID=2026041005

and tomorrow: https://tvw.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3afa238635271b3ed725bf55e&id=7937975a5e&e=628e9e6d3f

What happens when middle school students get a real inside look at lawmaking?

Just ask the Nisqually Middle School students from our 2026 Capitol Classroom program 👇

From asking tough questions about real bills to thinking critically about impact, cost, and community—these students didn’t just learn civics… they experienced it.

💬 “It’s a bigger thing than I expected.”
💬 “She made us think more.”
💬 “I want to be a bigger part of my community.”

This is what civic learning looks like in action.

🚨 Now it’s your turn:
📣 Applications for our 2027 Capitol Classroom program are OPEN!

Help your students build confidence, ask questions, and see themselves in the legislative process.

🔗 Apply Here: https://teachwithtvw.org/subscribe-for-updates/
🔗 Learn More: https://teachwithtvw.org/civic-participation-in-the-classroom/

📬 That’s a wrap on the 2026 Legislative Session

Teach with TVW has been proud to bring real-time Washington civics into classrooms across the state each week during session. From bill tracking to committee insights, your engagement has helped make this work meaningful.
Now we want to hear from you!

📝 Take our quick 2-minute survey: https://form.jotform.com/251186832206152

Looking ahead, Capitol Classroom 2027 enrollment is now open—giving students a hands-on opportunity to experience the legislative process alongside real policymakers.
🏛️ Learn more & apply: https://teachwithtvw.org/subscribe-for-updates/

📚 Stay connected:
➡️ Sign up for the TEACH Newsletter: https://teachwithtvw.org/newsletter/
➡️ Take the survey: https://form.jotform.com/251186832206152
➡️ Explore Capitol Classroom: https://teachwithtvw.org/subscribe-for-updates/