The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Institute of American Civics (IAC) is bringing together 50 high school educators from around the state for a two-day symposium on teaching civic knowledge and engagement.  

Housed at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, IAC is creating a space for educators to discuss ways to foster and teach civic education and to nurture civic engagement among Tennessee’s youth. 

IAC executive director Josh Dunn will lead off with the keynote address on the First Amendment, freedom of speech, and education.  

“The foundations of citizenship aren’t automatically transmitted from generation to generation,” Dunn said. “They can and should be taught, and in doing so, we learn how to ‘disagree better,’ participate more fully in the democratic process, and solve collective challenges together.” 

Multiple panel discussions will provide educators with the ability to discuss challenges and opportunities to promote thoughtful discussion, viewpoint diversity, and civil discourse in the classroom. 

Bill Lyons, public policy partnership director at the Baker Center, will present on how the IAC can assist educators moving forward.   

“The Institute for American Civics will provide a valuable resource for teachers seeking original materials on the American Founding, major Supreme Court decisions and key legislation.”    

Visit the TN Civics Academy webpage to learn more.