Integrity Spotlight Lesson Plan Integrity in the Spotlight
Lesson Plan • 9th Grade Civics
30 Minutes
Learning Objective
Students will analyze one recent public leader’s action for evidence of loyalty and integrity, citing at least two supporting details from a provided profile.
Approach
Analysis through reading, debate, and synthesis.
Why this matters
This lesson strengthens critical thinking and ethical reasoning by having students evaluate role models in civic life, fostering informed citizenship and moral discernment.
Teacher Preparation
Review the Leader Profile Handout (Dr. Anthony Fauci).
Familiarize yourself with the Slides and Facilitator Script .
Place Debate Prompts in four corners of the room.
Prepare Exit Ticket slips.
Materials Needed
Instructions
Time Step Key Actions 5m Hook
Project headline images of public leaders using Slides .
Students silently note qualities they associate with each leader.
Invite volunteers to share qualities and record on whiteboard.
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| 5m | Definitions |
Pose the questions: What does loyalty mean? What does integrity mean?
Think–Pair–Share: Students discuss definitions with a partner.Share aloud and record class definitions on the board.
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| 8m | Annotate |
Distribute Leader Profile Handout .
Students read and annotate text, highlighting evidence of loyalty or integrity.
Encourage margin notes with specific paragraph references.
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| 7m | Debate |
Explain 4-Corners using the Prompts .
Prompt: "This leader’s action demonstrates integrity."
Students move to corner, discuss in small groups, then rotate and share.
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| 5m | Synthesis |
Reconvene; each group shares one key point and supporting detail.
Clarify misunderstandings and reinforce definitions.
Exit Ticket: List one piece of evidence for loyalty and one for integrity.
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Integrity Spotlight Slides Integrity
In The
Exploring Leadership & Ethics
Today's Objective
Analyze a public leader’s action for evidence of loyalty and integrity, citing at least two supporting details.
Spotlight on Leaders
Leader A
Civic Official
Leader B
Public Health Specialist
Leader C
Elected Representative
What qualities do you associate with these figures?
Core Concepts
Loyalty
Standing by people, principles, or a mission over time.
Integrity
Doing the right thing even when it's hard or unpopular.
Think • Pair • Share
Investigate
8 MINUTES
Read
Leader Profile: Dr. Anthony Fauci
Highlight
Evidence of loyalty or integrity.
Annotate
Margin notes with paragraph references.
Handout Distribution Now
4-Corners Debate
“This leader’s action demonstrates integrity.”
Strongly Agree
Corner 1
Agree
Corner 2
Disagree
Corner 3
Strongly Disagree
Corner 4
Wrap Up
Share Out
Each corner shares one key point and one specific detail from the text.
Exit Ticket
On your slip, list:
One specific instance of LOYALTY.
One specific instance of INTEGRITY.
Facilitator Script Facilitator Script
Lesson: Integrity in the Spotlight
This word-for-word script will guide you through each phase of the 30-minute lesson. Use the timing cues to keep pace, ask the questions exactly as written, and refer to the linked materials as noted.
1. Hook
5 Minutes
Materials
Integrity Spotlight Slides (Slide 3), Whiteboard, Markers
T
“Good morning, everyone! Today we’re going to explore how loyalty and integrity show up in public leadership. Let’s start with a quick visual activity. I’m projecting images of three recent public leaders on the screen. As you look at each one, silently note one quality you associate with that person.”
Teacher Directions
Advance to the “Spotlight on Leaders” slide.
Give students 30 seconds to scan all images.
T
“Okay—think of one quality for Leader A, one quality for Leader B, and one for Leader C. I’ll give you another 30 seconds.”
T
“Now, who can share the quality you noted for Leader A?”
• Call on a volunteer, write it on the board.
• “Great—(Student Name) said ‘courage.’ Anyone else for Leader A?”
• Repeat for Leader B and C until you have 3–4 qualities on the board.
2. Define Loyalty & Integrity
5 Minutes
Materials
Integrity Spotlight Slides (Slide 4)
T
“Now let’s define our two key concepts. Turn to your partner and discuss: What does loyalty mean? What does integrity mean?”
• Think (30 sec): Students jot individual ideas.
• Pair (1 min): Students share with partner.
• Share (2 min): Call on 4–5 pairs to share aloud; write definitions on board.
T
“Remember, loyalty is about standing by people or principles over time. Integrity is doing the right thing even when it’s hard.”
3. Read & Annotate
8 Minutes
Materials
Leader Profile Handout, Pens/Highlighters
T
“I’m handing out the Leader Profile Handout. You’ll have 8 minutes to read through and highlight any actions or statements that show loyalty or integrity. Then, write a short note in the margin explaining why it qualifies.”
Timing Prompt (at 4-minute mark):
“Four minutes down, four to go! Make sure you’ve marked at least two pieces of evidence—one for loyalty, one for integrity.”
4. 4-Corners Debate
7 Minutes
Materials
4-Corners Debate Prompts
T
Leader Profile Handout Name:
Date:
Case Study • Public Leadership
Leader Profile: Dr. Anthony Fauci
01
Dr. Anthony Fauci served as the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from 1984 to 2022, advising seven U.S. presidents on public health crises. Known for his calm demeanor and scientific expertise, he became a central figure in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His decades-long career also included leading national responses to HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and Zika virus outbreaks.
02
Loyalty: Throughout multiple administrations—both Democratic and Republican—Dr. Fauci remained committed to public service rather than partisan politics. When political tensions rose in mid-2020 and some suggested he should be removed due to disagreements over mask guidance, Fauci chose to stay. He stated, “I am loyal to the American people.” His decision illustrated a steadfast loyalty to his mission and to the health of the public, even under extreme political pressure.
03
Integrity: In April 2020, Dr. Fauci updated his official guidance on face coverings after reviewing new scientific data about transmission. When asked why his advice had changed, he responded honestly: “We made recommendations based on the best evidence at the time,” acknowledging earlier uncertainty. He refused to withhold data or alter messages to suit a political agenda, insisting on transparency even when it drew intense public criticism.
04
Scientific Integrity: During a Senate hearing in July 2020, lawmakers pressed Dr. Fauci to offer speculative answers about the origins of the virus. He repeatedly answered, “We don’t know yet,” refusing to guess or provide simple answers just to please a political side. His commitment to admitting unknowns underscored his integrity as a scientist dedicated to factual evidence.
05
Loyalty to Principles: Following the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Dr. Fauci publicly condemned the violence and urged national unity. This move demonstrated a loyalty not to a specific person or branch of government, but to democratic principles and the safety of the entire nation.
Annotation Guide
Underline: Integrity
Circle: Loyalty
Margin Notes Area
As you read, highlight at least one instance of loyalty and one instance of integrity. Be ready to cite paragraph numbers in the debate.
4-Corners Debate Prompts Corner 1
Strongly
Agree
“This leader’s action demonstrates integrity.”
Group Discussion
• Why do you feel the evidence is overwhelming in favor of integrity?
• Which two details (paragraph #, quote) best showcase moral courage?
Sentence Starter
“I strongly agree because...”
Group Roles
Speaker: Summarizes viewpoint.
Recorder: Jots down evidence.
Integrity Spotlight Debate
Corner 2
Agree
“This leader’s action demonstrates integrity.”
Group Discussion
• What evidence supports integrity, and what questions remain?
• How might this action still show integrity even if not perfect?
Sentence Starter
“I agree that... because...”
Group Roles
Speaker: Summarizes viewpoint.
Recorder: Jots down evidence.
Integrity Spotlight Debate
Corner 3
Disagree
“This leader’s action demonstrates integrity.”
Group Discussion
• What aspects of the leader’s action raise doubts about integrity?
• Is there missing context that weakens the claim of integrity?
Sentence Starter
“I disagree because...”
Group Roles
Speaker: Summarizes viewpoint.
Recorder: Jots down evidence.
Integrity Spotlight Debate
Corner 4
Strongly
Disagree
“This leader’s action demonstrates integrity.”
Group Discussion
• What evidence suggests the leader’s action lacked integrity entirely?
• Could this have been motivated by something other than principle?
Sentence Starter
“I strongly disagree because...”
Group Roles
Speaker: Summarizes viewpoint.
Recorder: Jots down evidence.
Integrity Spotlight Debate
Integrity Spotlight Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
Integrity in the Spotlight
Name:
1. Evidence of Loyalty
Cite paragraph number and detail.
2. Evidence of Integrity
Cite paragraph number and detail.
Exit Ticket
Integrity in the Spotlight
Name:
1. Evidence of Loyalty
Cite paragraph number and detail.
2. Evidence of Integrity
Cite paragraph number and detail.
Exit Ticket
Integrity in the Spotlight
Name:
1. Evidence of Loyalty
Cite paragraph number and detail.
2. Evidence of Integrity
Cite paragraph number and detail.
Exit Ticket
Integrity in the Spotlight
Name:
1. Evidence of Loyalty
Cite paragraph number and detail.
2. Evidence of Integrity
Cite paragraph number and detail.
