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Judicial Institute for Teachers

Applications are now available for 2025.
Space is limited, so submit your application early!

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The Court, in collaboration with Seattle University School of Law, has developed a Judicial Institute for teachers of grades 5-12. This highly interactive program offers teachers a unique opportunity to hear from federal judges, attorneys, and law enforcement and to learn about topics including the U.S. Constitution, federal judiciary, civil rights, federal-state courts, and federal criminal law. Teachers will attend actual proceedings, as well as be questioned in a simulated jury selection process.

This year the program features Mary Beth Tinker, plaintiff in Tinker v. Des Moines School District, 1969, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that public school students do not shed their free speech rights at the schoolhouse door. There will also be a section on qualified immunity for police officers, as well as presentations on the U.S. Supreme Court and Judicial Review, and an introduction to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's iCivics program.

This program is offered to teachers in Western Washington within the court’s geographic boundaries. There is no cost to attend the program, and clock hours are offered. This is a 3-day in person program which includes overnight accommodations.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!  Space is limited to 40 teachers, so submit your application early.  Here’s what a few past attendees had to say:

"The Judicial Institute was like an amazing TED Talk menagerie. The speakers were thoughtful, intelligent story-tellers who restored my faith in the legal system. It was one of the most well organized, thoughtful, and beneficial conferences that I have attended." - Trey Messner

"This workshop was packed full of relevant and timely discussions about issues and concerns facing society as expressed in the courts and law. I feel more prepared than ever to teach government/civics." - Heidi Engle

"Energizing, insightful.  From gripping tales by FBI agents and viewing emotional sentencing hearings to clear teaching on grand juries, the court system and the Constitution, this seminar engaged us from start to finish." - Suze Marie Marcinko