Jax State Civics Symposium Brings Alabama Teachers Together to Explore Foundations of American Government

08/21/2026

Center for Leadership and American Principles equips 43 educators from across Alabama with resources to bring primary sources and civic education into their classrooms 

By Brett Buckner 

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Forty-three middle and high school social studies teachers from across Alabama gathered at Jacksonville State University this summer to examine the ideas and documents at the foundation of American government — and explore how to bring those lessons to life for a new generation of students. 

Hosted by Jax State’s Center for Leadership and American Principles, the 2026 Summer Civics Symposium was held July 14-16 in Merrill Hall. Participants represented public and private schools from communities across the state. The statewide group included participants from schools in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and regions like the Wiregrass, the Black Belt, and Northeast Alabama. 

Over three days, teachers explored foundational questions of American government through close reading and discussion of 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 examined speeches and writings from figures including Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Angelina Grimké. 

The symposium was designed not only to deepen teachers’ understanding of the principles and debates that shaped American government, but also to provide practical ways to incorporate primary sources into their classrooms while meeting 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 experience strengthened his preparation for the upcoming school year. 

“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,” he 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, providing resources and strategies they can use directly in their classrooms. 

For Thomas Flowers, a teacher at Pike County High School preparing to begin his 39th year in education, the symposium stood out among hundreds of hours of professional development 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, praised the symposium’s organization as well as Gross’ approach to leading discussions. 

“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 — one that challenged the perspective of a third-generation Troy University alumnus. 

“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. The funding helped the Center expand participation after interest exceeded initial expectations, allowing all interested educators to attend. 

Gross said the timing of the symposium was particularly significant as the nation commemorates 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.” 

For Gross, bringing educators from communities throughout Alabama to Jax State is part of a larger effort to strengthen civic education across the state. 

“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,” he said.