Published October 23, 2024

Regardless of the outcome, the 2024 election will likely create challenges in classrooms nationwide, with divided opinions and strong emotions among students and staff. To help educators navigate these sensitive times, the County Office of Education has curated teacher and parent resources on creating neutral educational environments that support civil discourse and a positive climate.

Voting and Election Resources for Educators

ICivics Education A hand puts a ballot into a ballot box Two students walk past a sign that says "vote"

 (iCivics) 

Create a log-in. A great source for civics education that includes election prep, and other lessons, games, and activities to support students.

 (Learning for Justice)

Sort by grade, topic. Use of varied sources for engaging with content.

 (51³Ô¹Ï)

Modular lessons focused on young voters (16-25+) education, access, and motivation.

C-SPAN

Hands put ballots into a ballot box

A folder with a note "Your vote your voice"

 (C-SPAN)

Lesson plans using primary source video clips for students to summarize, analyze, critique, and evaluate.

 (Edutopia)

Election activities that encourage children to cast a vote and abide by the choice of their group can foster a greater understanding of citizenship, civics, and responsibility to their community.

 (Santa Clara County Office of Education)

Free digital notebook for students to capture big ideas, vocabulary, reflections, and more.

Resources for Supporting Families

UC Berkeley History and Social Studies Project A picture of the American flag and the word "Elections" An image of a crowd with one person using a bullhorn

 (UC Berkeley History and Social Studies Project)

Sign up for further support with our trusted partners at the History project.

 (County of San Mateo)

Resources for language support, polling locations, and all things elections in San Mateo County.

(ACLU)

Explore scenarios to know your rights.

Resources for Supporting Conversations and Civil Discourse

Fostering Civil Discourse People stand around Speak up at school

 (Facing History)

This provides questions and structures to fostering civil discourse in the classroom. Divided into 4 sections, check out Section 4: Planning for unplanned moments.

(Learning for Justice)

A collection of resources organized by the themes Countering Bias, Civic Activities, Getting Along and How To—offers a range of resources for engaging students on some of our most pressing societal issues.

 (Learning for Justice)

Access the  as well.

An image of a microphone Center for Engaged Pedagogy logo Image of Dr. Lori Watson

 (Harvard Graduate School of Education)

Lecturer Eric Soto-Shed offers strategies on making conversations about the upcoming U.S. election worthwhile.

 (Center for Engaged Pedagogy)

Resources to support conversations in the classroom with clear steps and pedagogy for engagement.

Tools for Facilitation ()

Can be used with students and/or groups of adults: