This course focuses on understanding the purpose, role, and function of discussion strategies as pedagogical tools to equip young people with the knowledge, dispositions, and skills to be &ldquoGuardians of Democracy&rdquo. Further, this course will enhance the practice of educators with strategies and resources to create a classroom climate in which there are equitable opportunities for ALL students to engage in dialogue about essential questions across the curriculum. Over five weeks, participants complete weekly asynchronous modules online through Free For Teachers Canvas in which they will interact with research, academic experts, demonstration videos and use a discussion board to interact with a community of practice. Participants create a Portfolio of Practice throughout the course in which they reflect on how the course content can enhance their craft. Participants use their portfolio to create a plan of action to implement one strategy to support current and controversial issue discussions in the summative performance task. This is the first in a series of three courses on the use of current and controversial issue discussions in the classroom. A course syllabus can be accessed at https://guardiansofdemocracyteachers.org/