The governor shared developments in Florida’s expansion of civics education at a press conference in Orange Park Thursday.
Desantis handed out the first set of checks for educators participating in Florida’s Civic Literacy Excellence Initiative and emphasized the importance of basic civic education among young people.
“Everybody is going to be called upon to exercise the duties of being an American citizen,” said Desantis.
The initiative falls beneath the governor’s efforts to boost civics education among Florida students. The program began in 2021 and includes a Civics Seal of Excellence endorsement for current educators. Teachers that complete the 50-hour course are eligible for a $3,000 bonus. Desantis shared that 4,500 teachers have earned the endorsement and become eligible for the bonus. Enrollment for the course is at capacity, with 14,000 teachers currently on the waiting list.
Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. was also in attendance and stressed the importance of civic education.
“Not just in an academic realm, but in every fabric of American life,” said Diaz.
Desantis has said he wants to continue supporting the program in the upcoming state budget.