Florida has awarded 11,000 teachers more than $33 million for completing civics training offered by the state Department of Education (FDOE), according to a media release issues this week by the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The educators have completed either the Summer Civics Professional Learning Series or the new Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement, which give them the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality civics instruction.
DeSantis and the FDOE launched the Civics Seal of Excellence in January. More than 10,000 teachers registered for the course within the first week.
Currently, course enrollment is at capacity with 20,000 teachers enrolled and an additional 11,000 educators on the waiting list.
The training consists of a 50-hour online program that contains more than 28 hours of video lessons focused on America’s history, civics and government.
“Understanding the founding principles of our nation is the key to protecting and maintaining our republic for generations to come,” said DeSantis.
Since taking office, DeSantis has prioritized civics education. In 2020, he established the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI), the first statewide program of its kind focused on using debate as a tool to enrich civics education.
Further information and the application form for schools to join the FCDI for the 2023-24 school year can be found at civicsanddebate.com.
