Facilitator Script: 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, whiteboard, markers

Teacher (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.”

T’s Directions:

• Advance to the “Spotlight on Leaders” slide.
  
• Give students 30 seconds to scan all images.

T (after 30 seconds):
“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.

Tip (Differentiation): If students struggle, offer a prompt: ‘Think of words like honest, brave, committed…’

2. Define Loyalty & Integrity (5 minutes)

Materials: Integrity Spotlight Slides

T:
“Now let’s define our two key concepts. Turn to your partner and discuss: What does loyalty mean? What does integrity mean?”

• Advance to the “Defining Loyalty & Integrity” slide.
• 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, and write student-generated definitions on the board:• Loyalty = …
  • Integrity = …

T (if needed):
“Remember, loyalty is about standing by people or principles over time. Integrity is doing the right thing even when it’s hard.”

Tip: Provide sentence stems on board—“Loyalty is…”, “Integrity means…”

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.”

• Distribute handouts.
• Monitor quietly; remind students of annotation symbols (underline = integrity; circle = loyalty).

T 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.”

T (after 8 min):
“Please close your handouts. Hold on to them—we’ll refer back in our debate.”

Tip: Circulate to support ELL or IEP students by rephrasing tricky sentences.

4. 4-Corners Debate (7 minutes)

Materials: 4-Corners Debate Prompts

T:
“We’re going to debate: ‘This leader’s action demonstrates integrity.’ Read the prompt sign at each corner and decide which best matches your view: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree.”

• Explain corners (use printed signs).
  
• Move (30 sec): Students go to chosen corner.

T (in each corner):
“Discuss with your group: What evidence from the handout supports your position? Decide on one key point.”

• Group Discussion (2 min)

T (after 2 min):
“Thank you—rotate one corner to the right. New group, share your point and listen for fresh ideas.”

• Second Discussion (2 min)

T (after 2 min):
“Great energy! Let’s return to our seats.”

Tip: If a corner is empty, ask a strong student to role-play an opposing view.

5. Synthesis & Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

Materials: exit-ticket slips or digital form

T:
“Let’s hear from each corner group one key point and the evidence that supports it. We’ll go in order: Strongly Agree first, then Agree…”

• 1 min total: Each group shares (15 sec each).
• Clarify (1 min): Correct misconceptions; reinforce definitions.

T:
“Finally, on your exit ticket, write: 1) One piece of evidence from the profile that shows loyalty. 2) One that shows integrity. Be specific (page or paragraph).”

T Closing:
“Thank you for your thoughtful work today. I’ll review your tickets to see how you’re using evidence. See you tomorrow!”

Tip: Collect tickets as students leave; consider quick formative feedback.

Leader Profile Handout: Dr. Anthony Fauci

1. Dr. Anthony Fauci has served as the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984, advising seven presidents on public health. Known for his calm demeanor and scientific expertise, he became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic. His career highlights include leading the U.S. response to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and Ebola outbreaks in the 2010s.
2. Loyalty: Throughout multiple administrations—both Democratic and Republican—Dr. Fauci remained committed to public service rather than partisan politics. When President Trump suggested firing him in mid-2020 due to disagreements over mask guidance, Fauci chose to stay, stating, “I am loyal to the American people.” His decision illustrated steadfast loyalty to his mission and to communities at risk, even when political pressure mounted (paragraph 2).
3. Integrity: In April 2020, Fauci updated his guidance on face coverings after reviewing new research. When asked why his advice changed, he responded honestly: “We made recommendations based on the best evidence at the time,” acknowledging earlier uncertainty (paragraph 3). He refused to withhold data or alter messages to suit political agendas, insisting on transparency—even when it drew criticism.
4. Integrity & Transparency Combined: During a Senate hearing in July 2020, he testified under oath about the origins of COVID-19. Senators pressed him to offer speculative answers; he repeatedly answered, “We don’t know yet,” rather than guessing to please any side (paragraph 4). His commitment to admitting unknowns underscored his integrity as a scientist.
5. Final Note on Loyalty: After the January 6 Capitol attack, Dr. Fauci condemned violence and urged unity, showing loyalty not to a single branch of government but to democratic principles and public safety (paragraph 5).

As you read, highlight at least one instance of loyalty and one instance of integrity. Be ready to cite the paragraph number and your reasoning in the debate.

4-Corners Debate Prompts

Debate Question: “This leader’s action demonstrates integrity.”

Use these prompts at each corner to guide your group discussion. Assign Roles:

• Speaker: Summarizes your group’s viewpoint aloud.
• Recorder: Jots down key points and evidence.

🔵 Strongly Agree

• Why do you feel the evidence is overwhelming in favor of integrity?

• Which two details (paragraph #, quote) best showcase the leader’s honesty or moral courage?

• Sentence Starter: “I strongly agree because…”

🟢 Agree

• What evidence supports integrity, and what questions remain unanswered?

• How might this action still show integrity even if not perfect?

• Sentence Starter: “I agree that… because…”

🟠 Disagree

• What aspects of the leader’s action raise doubts about integrity?

• Is there missing information or context that weakens the claim of integrity?

• Sentence Starter: “I disagree because…”

🔴 Strongly Disagree

• What evidence suggests the leader’s action lacked integrity entirely?

• Could this have been motivated by something other than honesty or principle?

• Sentence Starter: “I strongly disagree because…”

After your first discussion (2 minutes), rotate one corner to the right. Share your group’s point and listen for new perspectives during the second two-minute round.