Summer Institute for Civics Educators
The Summer Institute for Civics Educators is an annual program hosted by the University of West Florida Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government, with support from the Jack Miller Center. This professional development opportunity is designed for middle and high school teachers of civics, U.S. history, and related subjects. Through the close study of primary sources and guided discussions with expert faculty, participants explore key themes in American political thought and citizenship.
Upcoming Summer Institutes for Civics Educators
July 2025 | Citizenship and Statesmanship in the American Political Tradition
The University of West Florida, with the support of the Jack Miller Center, is hosting a three-day symposium in Pensacola for Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa County teachers.
The symposium, through the study of primary sources, will focus on the roles, rights, and responsibilities of American citizens, as well as individual citizens who demonstrated principled leadership in challenging times.
Scholar sessions will be led by Megan Russo (University of St. Thomas – Houston), Samuel Postell (Clemson University), and David Upham (University of Dallas).
The program will also feature curriculum application sessions led by regional social studies coordinators focused on helping participants develop teaching strategies and lesson plans to engage with the primary sources discussed.
Participants will receive a $300 stipend for completion of the symposium. The deadline to apply is May 1.
Event Description
A three-day Institute for Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County teachers of ELA, Middle School Civics and United States History, and High School United States History and United States Government.
Application deadline: 1 May 2025
Participants will receive course readings by mail at least two weeks before the Institute, and should prepare the readings in advance of the Institute. Morning sessions will focus on discussion of primary source material, led by experienced faculty with expertise in the subject area. Afternoon sessions will focus on development and review of lesson plans using this primary source material in the classroom. All teachers who complete the Institute will receive a certificate of completion and an honorarium of $300.
2025 Topics and Presenters
Monday, July 7 – Dr. Megan Russo (University of St. Thomas, Houston) Session 1 – Mercy Otis Warren and John Adams on the Character of a Republic Session 2 – Separation of Powers in the Progressive Era
Tuesday, July 8 – Dr. Samuel Postell (Clemson University)
Session 1 – Henry Clay and The Limits of Federal Power Session 2 – Abraham Lincoln and the legacy of Henry Clay
Wednesday, July 9 – Dr. David Upham (University of Dallas)
Session 1 – The Origins of the Fourteenth Amendment Session 2 – The Meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment Today
Daily Schedule
8:30 - 8:45 Breakfast available (coffee/pastries/fruit)
8:45 - 10:15 Seminar Session 1
10:15 - 11:45 Seminar Session 2
11:45 - 12:30 Lunch (Panera or similar)
12:30 - 2:00 Classroom Application Session