Teachers Law School

ABOTA Montana is proud to once again sponsor a Montana Educator to the national ABOTA Teachers’ Law School, an intensive program designed to provide educators with a comprehensive crash course in civics. Led by seasoned lawyers, law professors, and members of the judiciary, this initiative is aimed at equipping teachers with the essential knowledge and resources needed to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the American judicial systems among their students.

A message from 2024 attendee Luke Brandon, Lewistown Public Schools. 

I found the civics summit to be very interesting and educational.  I came away with lots of ideas about how to teach several civics standards.  I think the biggest take away was how fragile our separation of powers are in this country, and the constant attacks on the independence of the judiciary.  We discussed how this is happening at the federal level, and it really hit home with me due to our own legislature's attempts over the last several years to undermine the MT supreme court.

Additionally I was very impressed with the young people who spoke about activism, and how students can have a voice.  It was very inspirational to hear how successful these young people had become, in spite of the trauma they endured in Parkland FL.  I also had the pleasure of listening to Akhil Reed Amar, my favorite constitutional scholar, talk about the framing of the constitution and the motivations of the framers.  He is a fascinating man and an eloquent speaker. He also signed his new book for me.  It's great so far.

Finally, listening to the legislative aids who have worked so diligently on the Judges act.  They explained very well the crisis facing our federal court system and how most federal courts are incredibly overburdened.  They explained the legislative process in the context of trying to achieve a bipartisan solution to these problems, and why there is resistance to it. 

All in all, it was definitely the best professional development opportunity that I have had in my 25 years of teaching. 

I am grateful for the chance to do it, and really enjoyed myself. 

Thanks again.  

—Luke Brandon