As part of an ongoing partnership between the University of Nebraska College of Law and Lincoln Public Schools, seventeen law students visited middle school classrooms to teach lessons on the Constitution’s history, structure, and significance. Over five days, Nebraska Law students met with 36 groups of LPS eighth graders, helping them connect the nation’s founding document to modern civic life.
Alyssa Hurta, ’28, guided students through the events that led to the Constitutional Convention, the creation of the federal government, and the system of checks and balances that remains in place today. Students received pocket-sized copies of the Constitution, discussed real-world constitutional issues, and participated in activities that encouraged them to think critically about citizenship and government.
Hurta said helping students understand the Constitution at a young age is essential.
“It’s important for them to have a baseline understanding, because you’re never too young to know what your rights are and be able to use them,” she said.
The lessons did more than review historical events. Students discussed how constitutional principles affect their own lives and how citizens can participate in government. At several schools, law students led discussions about the Constitution as a living document that continues to evolve through interpretation and amendment.
For Nebraska Law student, and former teacher, Paul Pechous, ’27, the experience was an opportunity to translate legal concepts into practical lessons that resonate with younger students.
“What we talked about in class today was how the Constitution is this living document that is much older than all of us,” Pechous said. “Since the nation’s founding 250 years ago, we are generally using the same document to govern us and thinking about how we can protect our own rights. Making sure students understand that and how they can be a part of their government I think is really important.”
Teachers say the visits provide students with a valuable perspective that complements classroom instruction.
The experience is also meaningful for the Nebraska Law students who volunteer through the Community Legal Education Project student organization. Hurta saw it as an opportunity to share her knowledge of the nation’s history while strengthening her own communication skills.
“Public speaking is definitely something I’m going to use in my future job.” Hurta said. “It’s really fun getting to do this in a different environment.”
Pechous noted that understanding the practical impact of constitutional principles became clearer as he progressed through law school.
“When I started law school, it was hard for me to conceptualize how everything interacts,” Pechous said. “We talk about the branches of government all the time, but how that actually plays out in my day-to-day life was something that has meant more to me as I’ve gone through law school.”
Constitution Week commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and encourages education about the document’s enduring significance. Through outreach efforts like these classroom visits, Nebraska Law students are helping the next generation understand not only the history of the Constitution, but also the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities that come with citizenship.
