Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, forty-three middle and high school social studies teachers from across Alabama gathered at Jacksonville State University this summer for a three-day symposium focused on American government, primary-source instruction and classroom applications.
The 2026 Summer Civics Symposium, hosted by Jax State’s Center for Leadership and American Principles, was held July 14-16 in Merrill Hall. Participants represented public and private schools from across the state, including communities in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile, as well as the Wiregrass, Black Belt and Northeast Alabama.
During the symposium, educators examined foundational questions of American government through primary sources including the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers and writings by John Locke. Participants also studied speeches and writings from historical figures including Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Angelina Grimké.
Organizers said the program was designed to deepen teachers’ understanding of the principles and debates that shaped American government while providing practical methods for incorporating primary sources into classroom instruction under Alabama’s social studies standards.
“Compared to other subjects, dedicated professional development for Social Studies educators is often hard to find,” said Bo Williams, a history teacher at Collinsville High School. “The JSU Summer Civics Symposium filled that critical gap by providing a high-quality program. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the expert faculty created a supportive environment that encouraged collaborative discussion.”
Williams, who teaches sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade history, said the symposium also helped prepare him to implement the state’s new social studies standards.
“This experience directly built my confidence in implementing the new social studies standards with my 6th-grade students this upcoming school year, proving once again the vital role JSU plays in supporting educators,” Williams said.
Dr. Benjamin Gross, director of the Center for Leadership and American Principles, led sessions alongside visiting faculty from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Arizona State University and North Greenville University.
Educators also participated in teacher application sessions presented by iCivics, Thinking Nation and the Jack Miller Center. Those sessions focused on resources and instructional strategies teachers can use in their classrooms.
Thomas Flowers, a teacher at Pike County High School who is preparing to begin his 39th year in education, said the program stood out among the professional development opportunities he has attended throughout his career.
“At this point, I do not hold much hope for anything that I have not already seen,” Flowers said of professional development programs. “I am quite happy to say that I was wrong. The symposium was absolutely outstanding from the very beginning.”
Flowers, who teaches history, government, economics and psychology, said the symposium provided tools he could immediately incorporate into his classes.
“Dr. Gross’ knowledge, organization, passion, and pedagogical style encouraged engagement, free thought, and reflection,” Flowers said. “I learned as much from his style as I did the content. He also brought in outside resources and people who were versed in the middle and high school levels. I walked away from the symposium with tools and techniques I can use on day one of my classes.”
Flowers also said the symposium provided his first significant experience with Jax State.
“Jax State has a beautiful campus, wonderful facilities and outstanding people,” he said. “A true credit to the school and its leadership. I am looking forward very much to attending again.”
The symposium was funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics program and the Jack Miller Center. According to Jax State, the funding allowed the Center for Leadership and American Principles to expand participation after interest in the program exceeded initial expectations, allowing all interested educators to attend.
Gross said the program also coincided with the nation’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“The teaching of America’s foundational principles did not end on July 4, 2026,” Gross said. “Instead, the Semiquincentennial is the beginning of a recognition that we need to revitalize and recommit ourselves to meaningful civic education.”
Gross said bringing teachers from throughout Alabama together at Jax State is part of the center’s broader effort to strengthen civic education.
“I’m proud that my team continues to demonstrate to those across the entire state that the Center for Leadership and American Principles is the premier institution leading the civics renaissance in the state of Alabama,” Gross said.
