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Civic Mirror Educator Feedback: Prize Winners and What We Heard

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Regan

Thank You to the Educators Helping Shape the Next Civic Mirror

Action-Ed would like to extend a sincere thank you to the more than 30 educators who took the time to complete our Civic Mirror Educator Feedback Survey.

As we begin planning a major redevelopment of Civic Mirror, our goal is to make the program more intuitive, user-friendly, flexible, and valuable for classroom use — while preserving the powerful learning experience that has made Civic Mirror meaningful for teachers and students over the years.

The feedback we received was thoughtful, detailed, honest, and incredibly helpful. Educators shared what continues to make Civic Mirror work, where the current experience needs improvement, and how a next-generation version could better support classroom learning.

At a glance: More than 30 educators submitted feedback to help guide the next version of Civic Mirror. Five educators were selected to receive one printed Instructor Manual and five printed Student Manuals for classroom use.

Congratulations to Our Educator Feedback Prize Winners

As a thank-you for participating, educators were entered into a prize draw for one printed Civic Mirror Instructor Manual and five printed Student Manuals to keep on hand for classroom use.

Congratulations to this year’s educator feedback prize winners! We are grateful for their contributions, and for the many years of experience represented by the educators who responded.

About This Year’s Winners

Lee Ryan Miller

Lee Ryan Miller
College of San Mateo, CA

Lee Ryan Miller is a longtime Civic Mirror user and Political Science professor at College of San Mateo. His feedback captured one of Civic Mirror’s core strengths especially well: in political science, students do not usually get a “lab” the way they might in science — Civic Mirror gives them a way to learn politics, government, and economics by doing.
Cathy Johnson

Cathy Johnson
Hastings Middle School, OH

Cathy Johnson teaches 8th Grade Social Studies at Hastings Middle School. In her feedback, she described Civic Mirror as a highlight of the 8th-grade year, giving students an authentic civics experience where they take ownership of learning about government, politics, economics, leadership, and collaboration.
Paul Chaffee

Paul Chaffee
School District 43, Coquitlam, BC

Paul Chaffee teaches in School District 43 in Coquitlam and has been using Civic Mirror for nearly 20 years. His feedback emphasized how the simulation gives students agency and ownership, especially through the political system, hidden agendas, and economic decision-making built into the experience.
Genevieve Tannas

Genevieve Tannas
Edmonton Public Schools, AB

Genevieve Tannas is a teacher-consultant with Edmonton Public Schools and brought the perspective of a French-Immersion educator working with Alberta’s curriculum. She shared how Civic Mirror helps students experience Canadian governance and economics in a highly interactive way, while also identifying translation and electoral-system improvements that could strengthen future versions.
Tanya Lacey

Tanya Lacey
Grand Erie District School Board, ON

Tanya Lacey teaches with Grand Erie District School Board and brings the perspective of a secondary Civics educator. Her feedback emphasized Civic Mirror’s value as a hands-on way to learn Civics that engages nearly every student, while also suggesting more teacher control over government settings such as tax rates, national symbols, and other in-game decisions.

What We Heard from Educators

Across the feedback, one message came through clearly: educators continue to see tremendous value in Civic Mirror’s core learning experience.

The big takeaway: educators are not asking for Civic Mirror to become something entirely different. They want the proven in-class simulation preserved — while the website, teacher tools, setup process, and supporting systems are modernized and strengthened.

The strongest recurring feedback clustered around six major themes:

1. Preserve the experiential heart of Civic Mirror

Educators continue to value the way Civic Mirror turns abstract civics and economics concepts into lived classroom experiences. Student agency, collaboration, leadership, political participation, economic decision-making, and authentic classroom interaction remain central to the program’s value.

2. Modernize the website and user experience

Teachers repeatedly pointed to the need for a cleaner, more intuitive online platform. They want clearer navigation, simpler dashboards, fewer menus, updated visuals, and a student experience that feels easier to understand and use.

3. Make Civic Mirror easier to launch and manage

Educators asked for clearer onboarding, shorter instructions, better tutorials, editable templates, sample scripts, and resources that reduce the amount of repeated explanation required to get students started.

4. Give teachers greater control and visibility

Feedback included requests for better participation data, message and chat records, moderation tools, activity reports, annual summaries, and the ability to correct or reverse accidental actions.

5. Improve the economic and trading systems

Teachers identified opportunities to simplify transactions, prevent accidental trades, create more jobs and income opportunities, add resources, and explore concepts such as banking, investment, inflation, and more advanced economic roles.

6. Create opportunities for countries to interact

International trade, diplomacy, alliances, globalization, and interaction between different Civic Mirror classes were among the most exciting suggestions for future development.

Other priorities educators raised:

• Greater flexibility • Updated game mechanics
• Improved accessibility and integrations • New simulation-based learning programs

How This Feedback Will Guide the Rebuild

The Civic Mirror redevelopment will be guided by a simple principle: preserve what makes the simulation powerful, and rebuild the systems that make it easier to run, manage, adapt, and expand.

That means the classroom experience will remain the foundation. Students will still learn by participating in a simulated country, making decisions, taking on roles, negotiating with one another, experiencing consequences, and reflecting on what happened.

Our next steps: use educator feedback to guide decisions about interface design, onboarding, teacher controls, reporting, pacing, digital tools, economic mechanics, and future simulation possibilities.

We know Civic Mirror has worked best when teachers bring it to life with their own creativity, classroom management, and professional judgment. The next version should support that work more effectively — not get in the way of it.

Thank you again to every educator who contributed feedback. Your ideas are helping shape the next generation of Civic Mirror, and we are excited to continue building from the experience, creativity, and insight of the teachers who have brought the program to life in classrooms.

Stay involved: We’ll continue sharing updates as the Civic Mirror redevelopment process moves forward, and we look forward to inviting more educator input along the way.

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The Criminal Case of Jack vs the Purple Party

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Regan

Written by:Evan Arseneau

Co-Author: Devon P.
Simulated Country: Dokullu
School: Milton District High School
Location: Milton, ON, Canada

Proof of Saria’s Crimes

In the country of Dokullu, the Purple Party was caught favoring their own party members and leaving everyone not in the party getting the leftovers. When Jack, who is the leader of the Equality Party, noticed this he declared a lawsuit against the members in this party. Aiko, who’s the leader of the Purple Party and Prime Minister at this time, stepped up to represent their group with her lawyer Selina by her side. Jack provided evidence of a statement where Selina said to Marko, who is the leader of the Open Social Democracy party “you’re not in our party lil bro” when he asked for energy just so he could survive. Jack also had proof of Saria, a member of the purple party, providing housing in her apartment for only her party (proof attached as a photo).

Jack also accused Aiko of letting Purple Party members stay in her apartment for free, with proof of the trade history showing Purple Party member Emma paying nothing for a spot in Aiko’s apartment. Jack saw this and brought it up in the court case, but was outmaneuvered by Aiko’s defence lawyer stating that in the contract for the apartment each year Emma paid in a food unit rather than with money, so this accusation was dismissed.

If Jack won this case he wanted the Purple Party to lose their seat in the government and a new prime minister to be elected, in the end, Jack fought hard in this case and fairly selected jury declared the Purple Party guilty. In return, the Supreme Judge Jayden agreed to Jack’s requested punishment of the removal of the Purple Party’s third government seat and the election of a new Prime Minister.

After the court case was finished the country of Dokullu had a new election where the new Prime Minister was chosen. Tessa, the leader of the Yellow Party was elected as Prime Minister. The citizens of Dokullu can sleep easier knowing that the corruption of the Purple Party was exposed and dealt with, and they can

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First Laws Proposed By Reformation Party Officially Passed In MAGA

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Regan

Written by: Noah Hall

Simulated Country: MAGA
School: St Peter the Apostle Catholic High School
Instructor: Ms. Lenna Zimmer
Location: Spruce Grove, Alberta

 

The Reformation Party will officially be in power for the next two years in MAGA. The recent laws passed in parliament were all passed with support from The Party, the opposition of the Reformation Party.

The first action by the new government was the appointment of Gavin Wigelsworth as the speaker of the house, who would be well received after his first session as speaker. The other MP’s in the house are the newly elected president Olivia, as well as three other members of the Reformation party and three members of The Party, including Wigelsworth.

Then the lawmaking began. The first law proposed was the article of Freedom of Speech, which would allow citizens to speak freely without fear of persecution. But, members of the Reformation Party and the general public would question the law as some saw it as protecting those who promote hate speech. Following the accusations, an updated version was proposed which allowed Freedom of Speech with the exception of such speech. The version was accepted and the law was passed 6-0 in favour.

The next proposal was the law of Anti-Corruption, which would prevent the following: abuse of power within government and forcible seizing of land (with the exception of debt, which the government will then take and sell). This was passed with full approval of the house.

The third and final law passed in the session was the establishment of an information system that would allow citizens to gain access to plans by the government, in which citizens could also request the release of more information. The law would be adjusted which allowed an independent party to investigate the government in the case the government fails to follow the law. The bill would be passed with a 5-1 vote in favour.

One citizen was ejected from parliament during the session by Mr. Wigelsworth, citing the citizen was too disruptive.

This isn’t the end of the law passing, as there are still two amendments that will be proposed in the near future.

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Hectic Election in Ratatouille!

Posted on June 11, 2023 by Civic Mirror

Written by: Joshua.G

Simulated Country: Ratatouille
School: South Colchester Academy
Instructor: Ms. Shannon Clancey
Location: Brookfield, Nova Scotia

The 3 Parties in the simulated country Ratatouille at South Colchester Academy in Brookfield, NS were preparing for their super close election. The parties included (i) La Gousteau, (ii) Ratatata, and (iii) White House Down, and every single citizen of the country was actively involved with one of the parties.

Reportedly, during the election, the leader of White House Down joked about seeing the ballot that an MP runner from La Gousteau was using. This resulted in the leader of La Gousteau announcing that this MP will be taken to court if it’s proven that the election was fixed and/or messed with.

Also during the election, tenisons were high. I, myself, was having a pounding heart. Questions flew and people voted. The leader of White House Down got into an argument with a MP runner from Ratatata, and a another MP Runner from Ratatata was told that if he laid hands on someone, he’ll be kicked out. The leader of White House Down seemed to be very calm and joked around whilst the counting was going on, The leader of Ratatata was also calm. Leader of La Gousteau was very tense.

Eventually, everybody finished voting, the election officer counted and called it in, and it was a blind vote for the last MP for Ratatata or La Gousteau, which went to La Gousteau.

The MPS were spilt 3 La Gousteau, 1 for Ratatata, and 3 for White House Down. Tomorrow will be a 1v1 run-off election to determine who the Prime Minister of Ratatouille will be.

UPDATE

The re vote to see who’d win: La Gousteau or White House Down, was held today to high stakes. The leader of White House Down was reportedly disruptive, Campaigning during voting and not shaking the Leader of La Gosuteau’s hand, as well as making a mess on the leader of Ratatata Party’s shoe!
Apparently, White House Down attempted to form connections, to which it wasn’t clear if it worked or not. An absentee from the first vote was also going to vote for La Gousteau. This seasoned reporter voted for La Gousteau.
White House Down tried to corral votes for him, joking about having himself and others vote for the leader of La Gousteau, and also joked that a supporter for the La Gousteau party couldn’t spell their own name!
The last votes came in and it was called. La Gousteau to White House Down, 14:10. The leader of the Party La Gosteau was ecstatic and giddy about winning, the future may look bright.

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BZ’s Wingstop’s First Year – Boston College High School

Posted on June 10, 2023 by Civic Mirror

Written by: Eli

Simulated Country: BZ Wingstop
School: Boston College High School
Instructor: Mr. Gartside
Location: Boston, MA

The simulated Year 2000 has come and gone for BZ’s Wingstop, a Civic Mirror country from Boston College High School, and by many in the country, it was considered a great success. From the first election to the final day, join me as we take a look at BZ’s Wingstop’s historic first year.

We start off at the election. The candidates for president are Quinn, Enzo, Brayden, and Eamon, the senate candidates are Ian, Eli, Caleb, and Josh, and the candidates for the House are Andrew, Michael M, Tyler, Seamus, Teddy, Grayson, and Raymond. In the Senate, Ian, Eli, and Caleb get elected with Eli as the Senate President. Andrew, Tyler, Raymond, Seamus, and Michael M get elected to the House, Michael M being the speaker. However, the race for President is a tie between Enzo and Quinn, so there has to be a coin flip to decide the winner. Quinn wins, and becomes the president, concluding the first election.

The hex auction happens, with the government getting the Energy/Industry (E/I) and Education hexes. Gary gets one farm, but gets the other later. Ian gets an apartment, but will also get a second later, and Michael F gets the final apartment. The Government Event happens (Winter 2000), and two major laws passed are the Green River Protection act and the controversial Privacy in trade act. Immediately after, the market opens and everyone begins trading. Prices for E/I are $800; food and health are $400; and Education is $100. Towards the end of the trading, Teddy realizes that all his Safety units will disappear at the end of the year, so he drops his prices from $1,000 to $250.

At the end of the year, all units have been consumed except one extra food for Michael M, and everyone has a powered place to live except Teddy. The final country score is a 6.2 / 10, which ranks 19th in Civic Mirror World, and a couple bad wild cards result in 3 citizens having family deaths. At the end of everything, Raymond has the most WB points with 50, and Eli, Enzo, and Tyler are tied for the most SPs with 15.

BZ’s Wingstop had a great first year, but there have been some controversies in the government, and we will see how that that goes.

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CM Country “9H22” in Economic Shambles

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Regan

Written by: Cohen

Simulated Country: 9H22
School: Prescott Learning Centre
Instructor: Ms. Christy Haggarty
Location: Spruce Grove, AB

9H22 is currently facing a severe economic crisis, with inflation reaching unprecedented levels. The country’s annual inflation rate is currently over 700%, the highest it has been since the collapse of the 9H22 dollar.

This high inflation has led to a sharp decline in the purchasing power of the population, with prices for basic goods and services skyrocketing. Many citizens are struggling to afford even the most basic necessities, and are being forced to cut back on food and medical expenses.

The government, which is already facing political and economic turmoil, has been unable to effectively address the crisis. Efforts to stabilize the currency and rein in inflation have so far been unsuccessful, and many experts fear that the situation may continue to deteriorate.

The country’s economy, once a relatively strong one in Africa, has been in decline for decades, with high unemployment, a lack of foreign investment, and a shortage of basic goods all contributing to the current crisis. In addition, years of political instability, mismanagement and corruption have made the issue worse.

The impact of inflation is being felt by all segments of society, but it is hitting the poorest and most vulnerable the hardest. Many are unable to access basic goods and services, and with rising food prices, hunger is becoming more widespread.

The international community is also increasingly concerned about the situation in 9H22, with some calling for the government to take urgent action to address the economic crisis. However, there is no easy solution to the country’s problems, and it is likely to take significant time and effort to stabilize the economy and bring inflation under control.

It’s important to note that the above information on 9H22 is not updated, my last knowledge cut off is 2021, I recommend looking for recent updated information if you want to know more about the present situation of the inflation in 9H22.

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Deeahharr’s Economy is Pointlessly Dying Due to Its Own People.

Posted on August 26, 2020 by Kim Ho

Written by: Zaeem Ajwad
Simulated Country: Deeahharr
School: Glenview Park Secondary
Instructor: Ms. Madison Colbeck
Location: Cambridge, ON

It’s obvious that some of Deeahharr’s citizens have no idea about the game, neither have they read enough to understand what a revolution does.

There was, indeed a mistake made by the PM, who covered up for it with the same amount of money loaned from the government, and then represented the citizens fairly, as a good PM does.

Some blind citizens want to overlook the fact that what the PM did with his personal account was NOT ILLEGAL, as there were no laws set at the time. These blind citizens were once told that if they don’t like someone in power, and the people in power (government) did something absolutely detestable, then the citizens can come together to “revolutionize” and kill off the government, replacing it with a new one. These very people, who got obsessed with the idea of a new government (not thinking for a moment as to whether this new government was going to be worse), suggested that the PM should be impeached! These citizens stood tall and acted brave but once asked to define impeachment, went silent, looking around to others for an answer. For all the citizens reading this, let me remind you that when you revolutionize, democracy is being DESTROYED. Property? Destroyed. Money? Gone. Lives? Also gone. The very people revolutionizing, could end up as the ones with their property lost. Deeahharr, because of some of it’s citizen’s mindset, is going to fall. Forever.

Remember, in Deeahharr, the government is not corrupt, but is only trying to help the citizens out. Choose properly.

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VZDT wins Decision in DustinVille, takes 4-Seat Government

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Kim Ho

Written by: Cole Franchuk
Simulated Country: DustinVille
School: Archbishop Joseph Macneil
Instructor: Mr. Curtis Farley
Location: Edmonton, AB


The Vote Zoe Dummies Party has prevailed in a close election in DustinVille, taking 4 seats and control of the government. VZDT candidate Colby Zelt took a landslide victory with 48 points. A crushed Democratic Party of Dustinville will now be forced to elect a new leader, as current leader Dominik Vrbanek was ousted in his seat by the VZDT’s Anthony Shibata. VZDT leader Zoe Reid has taken her seat and won the position of Prime Minister of DustinVille for the 2000 election, promising to stabilize our energy and food crises while keeping taxes at an affordable rate. Can her party save us from an impending energy emergency?

UPDATE: The Democrats have officially declared their new leader to be MP Riley Grant, hoping for a charismatic new face to improve their party’s standing and to push for change as opposition leader.

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N’gagwu’s First Legislative Process!

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Kim Ho

Written by: Mike He

Simulated Country: N’gagwu
School: Sir Winston Churchill Secondary
Instructor: Mr. Devon Richards
Location: Vancouver, BC

At 10AM today, the nation had its very first house of commons in history. The house passed the first few bills on the environment, social issues, taxes, and healthcare.

The first issue was education, healthcare and other social issues. The government said that they would provide social units for those whose total assets are below 1500 dollars, but the opposition asked how is the government going to distribute those necessities when there is greater demand than supply.

The government then simply answered, No hex, no problem.

The bill was passed by a vote of 3:2 when there was a tie between the government and the opposition parties and the speaker of the house voted for the government.

The other bill before the recess was the bill C-5, which is on the environment.
The bill focused on how the government is going to manage and regulate the development of the green hexes. The government declared that any development needs to be approved by the government, and if the holder of the developed hex obliges the hex, the government will retake the hex from the owner and nationalize it.

After a short recess, the house resumed with the questions by the opposition parties. Tessa, leader of the National People’s Party, questioned the government on what are they going to do to make sure that the government does not abuse its power and use the environmental excuse to take away any hexes they want?

The bill came to a draw again during the voting process, and it got passed with two votes from the government and one vote from the speaker of the house versus two votes from the opposition parties.

Then, in the house of commons, they discussed about the last bill of personal well being and taxes. The income of a person with hexes (green hexes will not be counted) will have an extra tax. Also, people with a total assets more than 15000 dollars will have another additional 15% tax.

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