What can America's first prison teach us about criminal justice today? Journey inside the imposing stone walls of Eastern State Penitentiary with President and CEO Kerry Sautner as she unveils the fascinating and troubling history of this revolutionary institution.

Built in 1829 as a castle-like structure visible from all directions, Eastern State wasn't just designed to punish – it represented a radical new approach to justice. Founded on Quaker beliefs that every person possesses an "inner light," the penitentiary introduced long-term solitary confinement as a path to reflection and redemption. The tragic irony? This well-intentioned experiment quickly revealed the devastating psychological effects of isolation, with mental health deterioration evident within just 15 days. Yet solitary confinement persists in most American prisons today.

The statistics Sautner shares are staggering: one in four American children has an incarcerated parent, and 77% of formerly incarcerated individuals return to prison within five years. "Imagine if that was a score on a test," she challenges. "You wouldn't pass at 33%." Through innovative programs like reentry simulations and educational initiatives for teachers nationwide, Eastern State now works to transform understanding of these systemic issues.

This conversation transcends typical prison discourse by examining fundamental questions at the heart of our democracy: What is the purpose of incarceration? What outcomes should we expect? And critically – is this how we as a society want to address crime and justice? Whether you're a teacher looking for classroom resources, a concerned citizen, or simply curious about this architectural marvel, you'll find Eastern State's approach both enlightening and deeply thought-provoking. Visit easternstate.org to explore their virtual resources and join this essential conversation about creating a more just future.

Visit Eastern State.

For Educators

The Arizona Constitution Project

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New Podcast from the Center for American Civics!

Dive into the heart of American democracy with Civics in a Year, an innovative podcast that transforms complex civic concepts into engaging 10-minute episodes anyone can understand. We've crafted this series for the curious minds who want to grasp how our government functions without wading through dense textbooks or partisan noise.

Each episode takes you on a focused journey through the building blocks of American civic life. From the revolutionary ideas of the Founding Fathers to the enduring wisdom of the Constitution, from landmark Supreme Court decisions to the meaning behind our national symbols and holidays, we explore it all with clarity and curiosity. Our approach strips away complexity without sacrificing substance, making essential civic knowledge accessible to high school students, teachers, lifelong learners, and anyone who wants to be a more informed citizen.

This podcast represents a special collaboration between the Center for American Civics and the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University. Created in celebration of America's upcoming 250th birthday, we're honoring this milestone by helping Americans reconnect with the ideas and institutions that have shaped our democracy for nearly 250 years. We believe that understanding these foundations isn't just academically valuable – it's essential for meaningful participation in our democratic system.

Subscribe now and join our year-long exploration of American civic life. Whether you listen during your commute, workout, or quiet evening at home, each episode will leave you with new insights about how our government works and why it matters. Because civic knowledge belongs to everyone, your participation in the conversation starts right here.

Subscribe today!

The Arizona Constitution Project

Check Out Our Free Lessons on Arizona History and Government!

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Interested in a Master's Degree? Check out the School of Civic and Economic Leadership's Master's in Classical Liberal Education and Leadership

Democracy begins in kindergarten. While most people think civic education starts in high school government class, our panel of passionate elementary educators reveals how young children are already practicing citizenship daily through classroom voting, community service, and learning about their responsibilities to one another.

These elementary teachers—representing second, third, and fifth grades from schools across Arizona and Kentucky—share innovative ways they incorporate civic learning despite packed schedules dominated by tested subjects. Rather than treating civics as "one more thing," they seamlessly integrate democratic principles into reading, writing, and even math lessons. When students vote on classroom rewards or graph their favorite ice cream flavors, they're experiencing democracy firsthand in ways that connect to their immediate lives.

The conversation explores how classroom activities like recycling programs, buddy systems with younger grades, and school community service projects teach children that their voices and actions matter. As one teacher explains, "We want them to be leaders...that help and don't just see someone struggling." Through age-appropriate activities, students develop the vocabulary, background knowledge, and sense of shared responsibility that will prepare them for more advanced civic learning later.

What emerges is a powerful reminder that elementary classrooms aren't just places where children learn academic foundations—they're civic laboratories where future citizens first discover their voices and responsibilities within a community larger than themselves. As one teacher succinctly states, "America doesn't work unless we want it to," highlighting why civic education must begin with our youngest learners.

Ready to help your elementary students become engaged citizens? Listen now to discover practical activities and cross-curricular strategies that make civic learning accessible and meaningful for K-5 classrooms.

The Arizona Constitution Project

Check Out Our Free Lessons on Arizona History and Government!

Follow us on:
Twitter
Linked In
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Website

Interested in a Master's Degree? Check out the School of Civic and Economic Leadership's Master's in Classical Liberal Education and Leadership