This story is directly from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Institute of American Civics will expand civics education across the state by hosting its Tennessee Civics Academy at three sites: Nashville (May 27-29), Knoxville (June 10-12) and Memphis (June 24-26).
Supported by a grant awarded to the IAC by the U.S. Department of Education in 2025, the Tennessee Civics Academy offers professional development to Tennessee K-12 teachers in government, history, law and social science at no cost to the educator or school system.
“Our civic academies provide K-12 teachers from across Tennessee with a deeper understanding of America’s founding and constitutional principles that shape our republic,” said IAC Executive Director Joshua Dunn. “By strengthening teachers’ expertise and providing practical tools for developing thoughtful classroom discussions, the programs amplify their influence by bringing richer civic learning and a renewed spirit of civil discourse to students in communities across our state.”
The academy provides a space for teachers to discuss ways to foster and teach topics in civic education and to nurture civic engagement and viewpoint diversity among Tennessee’s youth. Experienced teachers from rural, urban and suburban districts will lead panels on student engagement and classroom challenges and will share cross-disciplinary project-based learning activities and strategies. Attendees will learn from IAC faculty who are experts in American founding principles, history, constitutional rights, economics, Supreme Court decisions tied to American education, and the legacy of Senator Howard H. Baker Jr.
The Tennessee Civics Academy launched in Knoxville in 2023 with 43 teachers from 21 counties attending. By 2025, it had expanded to 126 teachers representing 36 counties. Now in its fourth year, the annual collaborative conference will be held on multiple dates at locations across the state. Participants will have the opportunity to choose where they want to attend, with lodging and travel stipends furnished by the IAC.
This year’s sessions will feature immersive experiences with the Tennessee State Museum (Nashville); U.S. District Courts, Western and Eastern divisions (Memphis and Knoxville) and the East Tennessee Historical Society (Knoxville). Teachers will engage with government officials, participate in mock sessions and trials, and explore teaching civics using primary sources.
“The Tennessee Civics Academy brings the University of Tennessee’s land-grant mission to life by investing directly in educators across the state,” said IAC Managing Director Frankie Weaver. “By reaching more than 350 teachers this year, we are extending the impact of civic education into classrooms and communities throughout Tennessee.”
Applications and nominations for all three locations are open now for outstanding educators who incorporate civic knowledge and engagement in their teaching. Visit the event page to learn more.
About the Institute of American Civics
The Institute of American Civics, housed within UT’s Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, is dedicated to advancing civic knowledge, constitutional understanding and civil discourse. Established to serve as a hub for scholarship, public education and community engagement, the institute promotes the values and principles at the heart of American democracy. The institute seeks to cultivate informed and engaged citizens through a dynamic blend of academic programming, public events and outreach initiatives. Visit civics.utk.edu for more information.
