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UNC and local education experts discuss teaching American democracy in K-12 schools

At a panel hosted by [UNC]’s history department, speakers said teachers need more support to find innovative ways to teach history to their students.

By Shiena Fernando, Staff Writer • October 24, 2026

[The] UNC history department hosted a panel discussion on Monday titled “Teaching the Foundations of American Democracy in K-12 Schools” as part of the University’s America 250 series, which highlights the nation’s founding through programs, exhibitions and discussions examining American history.

The discussion featured Cori Greer-Banks, director of Carolina K-12 at Carolina Public Humanities, Jillian La Serna, a research assistant professor at the Education Policy Initiative at Carolina, and Mike Henning, a fourth-grade teacher at Carrboro Elementary School. 

The panelists explored how educators can move beyond memorization-based history lessons to help students understand democracy as an evolving system in which they can actively participate.

“In my role as director of Carolina K-12, I really, really think about how this work is going to be relevant to young people, because we know young people are the first to say, ‘Why do I need to know this?’” Greer-Banks said. 

For Greer-Banks, directing the Carolina K-12 program has allowed her to push beyond traditional history education to foster critical thinking among students.

Henning, who has taught third, fourth and fifth grade throughout his 15-year teaching career, said he tries to connect his lived experience to classroom lessons to engage students more.

“I’m a firm believer that education should instill a sense of wonder in kids,” Henning said.

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