This fully asynchronous course is a book study of Eric Foner's The Second Founding:  How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution (2019). Foner examines how the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution established equality as an ideal as promised under the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The class provides historical context and information that can help inform Constitution and Citizenship Day under RCW 28A.230.170Links to an external site. and Section 111 of Public Law 108Links to an external site., which require educational programming on the U.S. Constitution. The book will be of particular interest to educators who teach U.S. History, Political Science, and Civics, but it also provides a wider framework for all educators to better understand U.S. Constitutional history and current debates over rights. Foner provides insight into understanding the promises and limits of the U.S. Constitution in relation to immigration, citizenship, education, voting rights, equal protection under the law, and the balance of power between states and the federal government. Participants will work at their own pace on Canvas to submit a pre-reading introductory assignment, guided reading questions to be completed while reading the book, and a final reflection. Completion of the course offers an opportunity to purchase 20 clock hours in Equity or Educational Leadership. 

The book is available for purchase as a paperback through the book sellers below. Libraries may also have the book available to check out.

• • Village BooksLinks to an external site.
  • WW Norton
  • Watermark Book Company
  • AmazonLinks to an external site.

Deadline:  Participants must complete this session in Canvas by September 15, 2026. Course attendance is taken on an on-going basis after participants finish, often within 3-5 days, though during rush periods and holiday breaks please be aware it may take up to 2 weeks. Please Note: Due to holiday breaks, no grading or recording of attendance will take place during the time periods of November 24 – December 1, 2025 and December 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026. Attendance for courses completed during these time periods will be completed as soon as possible after the break. Thank you in advance for your patience.