Florida Department of Education Hosts Civics Education Event to Empower Teachers
In an effort to bolster civics education across the state, the Florida Department of Education recently brought together 50 social studies teachers for a three-day professional learning event at the Capitol Complex. This initiative aims to deepen educators’ understanding of Florida’s state government, enhance their civics knowledge, and provide them with practical classroom activities.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas and 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year Mark Harrison at the Capitol Complex Professional Learning Event.
2026 Florida Teacher of the Year Mark Harrison and Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas Welcome Participants to the Capitol Complex Professional Learning Event.
Participants of the 2026 Capitol Complex Professional Learning Event with Senate President Ben Albritton
“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, remarked, “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.”
The event aligns with Governor DeSantis’ efforts to maintain Florida’s status as a leader in civics education, highlighted by a proposed $17.5 million investment in the Floridians First 2026-2027 Budget. This budget includes:
- $10 million, an increase of $6.5 million, to boost participation in the Florida Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement, with a $3,000 stipend for educators who earn the endorsement.
- $3 million to expand competitive civics and debate competitions through the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative and the Florida Debate Initiative.
- $3 million to support school districts in enhancing civic literacy using regional civics literacy coaches.
- $1.5 million for the Civics Professional Development Initiative, offering professional learning aligned with Florida’s civics and government standards.
Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement
This innovative teacher training program, aligned with Florida’s updated civics and government standards, offers a 55-hour course to enhance educators’ foundational knowledge of American history and the principles of the Founders. The latest cohort filled all available seats in less than a minute, with thousands of educators now on the waitlist.
Florida Civics and Debate and Florida Debate Initiatives
These initiatives have significantly expanded, growing from under 60 to over 350 teams statewide, giving students the chance to develop civil discourse and reasoning skills essential to our constitutional republic.
Regional Civics Literacy Coaches
These coaches provide support through on-site visits, personalized coaching, and professional learning, ensuring teachers have the necessary resources to deliver engaging civics instruction.
Civics and Government Instructional Guide
This guide aids in implementing Florida’s updated civics standards, helping teachers provide high-quality, standards-aligned instruction.
K-12 Civics Curriculum
Designed to align with civics and government standards, this curriculum serves as both a primary and supplemental resource for civics education.
K-12 Integrated Civics Curriculum
Offers resources that align with civics standards, allowing for the integration of civics education across various subjects.
For more information about the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative, visit the Civics Literacy page of the Department’s website.
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