Florida strengthens civics education by hosting a three-day Capitol Complex professional learning event for social studies teachers
Tallahassee, Florida – In an effort to further bolster civics education and ensure students across the state are equipped with a deep understanding of government and citizenship, the Florida Department of Education recently hosted 50 social studies teachers at the Capitol Complex Professional Learning Event. Over three immersive days, participants explored the inner workings of Florida’s state government, gained in-depth knowledge of civics principles, and received classroom-ready tools and activities to enhance instruction in their own schools.
The event, held in the heart of the state capital, brought together educators from diverse districts across Florida. Through hands-on learning experiences, teachers observed government processes firsthand, engaged with policymakers, and developed practical strategies to integrate civics education more effectively into their classrooms. By the conclusion of the three-day event, participants left with renewed enthusiasm and tangible resources to share with their students.
“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida continues to lead the nation in civics education. This professional learning opportunity, along with the Department’s additional civics-focused initiatives, plays a critical role in strengthening civics education across Florida by enhancing teachers’ ability to deliver the highest-quality instruction to students statewide,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “It was an honor to address the participants at this event, and I am confident that the future of civics education in Florida’s schools is in excellent hands with this dedicated group of educators.”
Mark Harrison, the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year, described the event as transformative. “This wasn’t just a training, it was a full, immersive experience. For three days, teachers engaged in a hands-on exploration of the real world of government, and I found it both inspiring and energizing. After more than twenty years in the classroom, I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite professional learning experiences,” Harrison said.
Governor DeSantis has been a vocal advocate for civics education, consistently highlighting the importance of preparing students to understand and engage with the principles of American government. In the Floridians First 2026-2027 Budget, the governor has proposed $17.5 million to enhance civics education initiatives statewide. This includes $10 million to expand the Florida Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement, providing teachers who complete the program with a $3,000 stipend, an increase of $6.5 million from previous funding levels.
An additional $3 million is allocated to expand participation in competitive civics and debate competitions through the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative and the Florida Debate Initiative.
These programs have grown significantly under the governor’s leadership, now engaging over 350 teams statewide, compared to fewer than 60 teams before the initiatives were expanded. Another $3 million is dedicated to supporting school districts with regional civics literacy coaches who provide on-site support, individualized coaching, and professional learning opportunities to enhance instruction. The final $1.5 million will support the Civics Professional Development Initiative, offering professional learning aligned with Florida’s civics and government standards.
The Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement stands out as a cornerstone of Florida’s civics education efforts. This 55-hour teacher training program provides a comprehensive foundation in American history, the principles guiding the Founding Fathers, and the development of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Interest in the program is high: the latest cohort of educators opened registration in January 2026 and all available seats were filled within a single minute. Thousands more teachers remain on the waiting list, highlighting the demand for high-quality civics instruction in Florida schools.
Beyond teacher training, the state has strengthened K-12 civics education through a variety of resources. The K-12 Civics Curriculum aligns with state standards and can serve as either a primary instructional resource or as supplemental material to support classroom instruction. The K-12 Integrated Civics Curriculum offers additional resources that allow teachers to incorporate civics across subject areas, ensuring that students see the relevance of government principles in multiple contexts.
Regional Civics Literacy Coaches play a critical role in this ecosystem, visiting schools to support teachers, provide guidance on curriculum implementation, and ensure that educators have the knowledge and confidence to deliver high-quality instruction. These coaches act as local experts, helping schools adapt materials to meet the needs of diverse student populations and promoting civic engagement in classrooms across the state.
The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative and Florida Debate Initiative further enrich student learning by offering competitive opportunities for civil discourse and critical thinking. Students involved in these programs not only hone their reasoning and communication skills but also engage deeply with civic principles, reinforcing the habits of mind that underpin a functioning democracy. Participation has grown rapidly under the state’s initiatives, ensuring students in every district have access to these enriching experiences.
Additionally, the Civics and Government Instructional Guide supports teachers in implementing Florida’s revised standards, offering practical strategies to enhance student learning and ensure civics instruction is meaningful and engaging. By combining professional learning, structured curricula, coaching support, and competitive programs, Florida has created a multifaceted approach to ensure civics education reaches students at every level.
The Capitol Complex Professional Learning Event represents both a symbolic and practical investment in the state’s future. By bringing teachers directly into the environment where decisions are made and policies are implemented, Florida reinforces the connection between classroom learning and real-world civic engagement. Teachers leave the event not only with enhanced knowledge but also with inspiration and strategies to cultivate the next generation of informed, active citizens.
For educators and residents seeking additional information about Florida’s civics education initiatives, the Department of Education maintains a comprehensive Civics Literacy page on its website. This resource provides details about training programs, curricula, and engagement opportunities, ensuring that the state’s approach to civics is transparent, accessible, and continually evolving.
As Florida continues to expand its investment in civics education, the combination of immersive professional learning, teacher support, and student engagement initiatives demonstrates a commitment to preparing young citizens who understand the principles of government, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the value of informed participation in democracy. By strengthening both teacher capacity and student experiences, Florida positions itself as a national leader in civics education, ensuring that the state’s classrooms serve as incubators for knowledgeable, engaged, and responsible citizens.
