The Florida Department of Education recently hosted 50 social studies teachers from across the state at the Capitol Complex Professional Learning Event in Tallahassee. The three-day event aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of Florida’s government and provide new classroom resources.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas addressed attendees, stating, “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. 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, recognized as the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year, also spoke about his experience: “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.”
Governor Ron DeSantis has advocated for continued investment in civics education and has proposed $17.5 million for civic engagement initiatives as part of his Floridians First 2026-2027 Budget.
Among current programs is the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement—a teacher training initiative aligned with updated state standards—which offers a 55-hour course on American history and foundational principles. In January 2026, registration for a new cohort filled within one minute; thousands remain on a waitlist.
Florida has expanded access to competitive civics and debate programs through FCDI and FDI organizations. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, participation grew from fewer than 60 teams to over 350 teams statewide.
Regional Civics Literacy Coaches visit schools to support educators through coaching and tailored professional development opportunities. Instructional materials such as the Civics and Government Instructional Guide and K-12 Civics Curriculum help implement revised standards across classrooms.
The department also provides supplemental resources through its K-12 Integrated Civics Curriculum so teachers can incorporate civics content into other subjects.
The Florida Department of Education operates from its headquarters at 325 West Gaines Street in Tallahassee (https://www.fldoe.org/). The agency works with parents, educators, and communities throughout Florida to oversee public education from early childhood through higher learning (https://www.fldoe.org/). It supports student achievement by offering academic resources, school choice options, career development programs (https://www.fldoe.org/), and professional training for educators (https://www.fldoe.org/).
Additional information about these initiatives is available on the Civics Literacy page of the department’s website.
