Democracy and Capitalism
Teachers Institute
The University of Virginia; Charlottesville, VA
LOCATION
APPLICATION WINDOW
November 1st, 2025 -February 1st, 2026
July 12-18, 2026
DATE(S)
A professional development experience for high-school social studies teachers
WHAT IT IS
Overview
Join us for a week-long exploration of democracy and capitalism - perfect for America's 250th Anniversary.
The Democracy and Capitalism Teachers Institute brings 20 high school social studies, civics, and economics educators from across the nation to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, to deepen their understanding of the foundations, intersections, current state, and future of democracy and capitalism. This year, we will be celebrating America's 250th Anniversary - a prime opportunity to learn more about the systems that make up our nation.
Participants stay at the University for one week in the summer and participate in daily programming focused on democracy, capitalism, and pressing issues at their intersections.
The Institute is designed to:
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Help teachers define and understand the core elements of free markets and free societies
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Explore methods to convey democracy and capitalism in classroom settings
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Strengthen teachers' understanding of key primary sources and foundational principles of American government
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Equip teachers to understand how "hot button topics" relate to democracy and capitalism
The Institute is brought in partnership with the Jack Miller Center's Virginia Founding Civics Initiative.
Format & Details
Institute Logistics
The 2026 Teachers Institute takes place at the University of Virginia from Sunday, July 12, through Saturday, July 18th.
Participants are asked to arrive and engage in a welcome happy hour on the Sunday of the Institute, and participate in programming from Monday through Saturday morning. Teachers may plan to travel back home after Saturday's programming
Institute Costs
Lodging and most meals will be provided. Participants will receive an additional stipend to offset any other costs. Travel expenses (mileage or economy plane, train, or bus tickets) will be reimbursed for participants after the Institute concludes.
Essentially, all accepted participants should face little to no costs to attend DCTI. This program is free of charge to all attendees.
Institute Curriculum
The Teachers Institute offers instruction and training led by UVA faculty and experts on topics related to democracy and capitalism, including:
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Core definitions of democracy and capitalism
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Foundational American principles of government
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Democracy and capitalism in history
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Democracy and inequality
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Gender equity and economic well-being
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Resources and teaching methods about democratic and capitalist systems
Additionally, participants will learn about classroom tools like the case study method and utilize data analysis tools and visualizations like DemCap Analytics.
Other opportunities include site visits to the University of Virginia and local historic sites, as well as time dedicated to developing personal classroom resources.
Eligibility
Current high school educators in the following subjects are encouraged to apply:
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Civics
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Social Studies
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Economics
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History
We know many educators teach multiple subjects, and schools and districts may use different terminology to describe the subjects they cover. If you believe you teach a subject that would greatly benefit from this institute, we encourage you to apply!
Additional eligibility requirements include:
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Current, active employment in a classroom teaching position
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Intent to teach during the following (2026/27) school year
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Availability from July 12-18, 2026, with the ability to travel to, stay at, and fully participate with the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA
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Application Process
November 1st, 2025 - February 1st, 2026 - Applications will open
Our online application is designed to take around an hour and a half, and includes:
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Introduction, contact info, teaching experience, school information
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Three short answers (100-200 words) about why you are interested in DCTI, your experience(s) teaching related subjects, and how you anticipate sharing your DCTI experience with your students and community
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A brief video (1-3 minutes) discussing your enthusiasm for what you teach
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One classroom resource upload and reflection (100-200 words) on what went well, what didn't, and how it has impacted your teaching
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One current or former coworker or supervisor who can serve as a reference
April 1, 2026 - Invitations extended to select applicants
To stay up to date on future institutes and opportunities with DemCap, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Endorsments
"The best week of professional development you can get. It is academically rigorous, helpful to teaching state content, and overall a case study in creating an engaging learning environment centered around democracy and capitalism."
"DCTI was every positive adjective possible - gonna break out the thesaurus!"
"The openness, respect, and appreciation shown to us by the DCTI staff set the tone for some very deep learning, networking, and laying of actionable foundational groundwork."
Other Reviews
"This was some of the best PD I have have done in my long career. Excellent content and superior organization and amenities."
"You need to attend. Best professional development I've done in a long while. It was very inclusive, helpful, and targeted."
Such a great week! I feel smarter leaving and am feeling invigorated for the school year!
"Intellectually engaging, welcoming, and so much fun."
"I have already described it to coworkers as the best professional development course I have ever attended. The perks were great, but the intellectually stimulating discussions and the collaborations with my fellow attendees reminded me of attending a top-notch graduate school crash course program."
"DCTI was a first-class institute that helped connect university resources and expertise with classroom teachers."
"This was a transformative experience. Thank you for developing such an amazing institute for teachers"
"The absolute BEST PD of my life."
"I feel like every social studies teacher should do this PD. The level of respect and gratitude helps you remember your why."
"Intellectual exercise with UVA professors about democracy and capitalism, collaboration with enthusiastic peers, and a perfect week of being spoiled by the Democracy and Capitalism Lab."
