Close Up Civil Discourse Credential Pilot Program

We’re looking for innovative educators to help implement the Civil Discourse Credential!

Building on our 50+ years of working with schools to create a culture of civil discourse, Close Up is excited to unveil a formal credential for high school students launching this year! The Civil Discourse Credential is a holistic measurement of students’ mastery of three key domains: Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy, Communicating Across Difference, and Analyzing Social and Political Issues.

We believe this credential has the power to capture skills that are in high demand nationwide—in classrooms, on university campuses, and in the 21st-century workplace. That’s why we’re inviting educators to join us in spring 2026 in Washington, D.C., for a training to earn certification to introduce the credential to students. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW >

What is the Educator Certification Pilot Program?

The pilot program engages educators who are eager to implement the Civil Discourse Credential curriculum in their schools and create a next generation of young people with the skills and attitudes necessary for a deliberative democracy. Our pilot cohort of educators will: 

Participate in a two-day institute in Washington, D.C., to gain an understanding of, model, and practice the Civil Discourse Credential lessons and activities.

Implement the Civil Discourse Credential in one or multiple classrooms during the 2025-26 school year.

Join monthly online cohort sessions to receive support from instructional coaches and offer informal feedback.

Submit written feedback about the curriculum, rubrics, and competencies to inform the final version of the credential before it is shared nationwide.

REQUEST INFO >

Who are our pilot educators?

As of late 2025, our pilot cohort of educators includes 58 teachers from 30 public, charter, and independent schools across 17 states and counting, including major school districts and networks such as Atlanta Public Schools, Harmony Public Schools, and Miami-Dade Public Schools. In 2025-26, the first year of the pilot program, we anticipate reaching over 1,000 students nationwide. 

JOIN THE PILOT PROGRAM >

Pilot Program Participating Schools 