Institute of American Civics

Learning is underway in Memphis.

The Tennessee Civics Academy opened with an engaging session from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga economist Claudia Kramer, exploring the economic ideas that helped shape the American founding. Educators also had the opportunity to view a remarkable piece of history: a 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence published in a British magazine just weeks after its adoption.

It’s a powerful reminder that the ideas at the heart of the American founding sparked conversation far beyond America’s shores.

From Knoxville to Nashville to Memphis, the Tennessee Civics Academy is building a statewide network of educators committed to strengthening civic education.

This week, nearly 100 teachers are gathering in Memphis to deepen their understanding of American history, constitutional government, and civic life.

Thanks to Action News 5 for sharing our story.

Tennessee teachers gather in Bluff City for forum on boosting civic education Nearly 100 teachers from across the state are in Memphis this week to learn ways to bolster civic education in the classroom.

What can an international soccer fan teach us about America?

In his latest guest column for the Knoxville News Sentinel, Institute of American Civics Associate Director Bill Lyons reflects on the observations of Alexis de Tocqueville through the lens of a viral World Cup visitor discovering the United States for the first time.

It's a thoughtful look at how an outsider's perspective can prompt Americans to reconsider familiar questions about civic life and national character.

Read the column below.

Visitors two centuries apart find out: America's special | Opinion William Lyons writes: A German soccer fan and Alexis de Tocqueville both found something special in America that we often overlook today.

Preparing the next generation of civic leaders takes a deep understanding of the constitutional principles that shape American life.

Institute of American Civics Executive Director Joshua Dunn joined the 2026 Daniels Scholars Program in Denver last week, leading a discussion on the First Amendment and free speech for 205 student leaders.

The Daniels Fund and the IAC share a commitment to preparing principled leaders equipped to strengthen their communities and our civic institutions. We're proud that Brayden Agasa, a member of the 2026 Daniels Scholars cohort, will attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and will join the IAC's Tocqueville Scholars Program this fall.

Two IAC Professors, Associate Director Andrew Busch and Dr. David Scott, recently taught at Pepperdine University through the Roots of America Seminar Program alongside current and former Baker School students.

Baker student Zoe Zwickey reflected on the experience, noting that working with primary sources from the American founding through the Progressive Era deepened her understanding of the ideas and debates that continue to shape American democracy, especially as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This week in Knoxville, educators are deepening their understanding of civics through hands-on learning, expert-led discussions, and meaningful collaboration at the TN Civics Academy.

“Josh Dunn was really good, and I was really enthused. I was thinking, ‘I could take his class.’ He really put things into perspective, and I remember everything he said—that’s a sign of a good professor. I could walk in and take a test right now!” -Shirley Toler, Bartlett High School, Shelby County

Some lessons are best learned firsthand.

During the final day of the TN Civics Academy in Knoxville, educators stepped into the judicial process through a mock trial led by Eastern District of Tennessee Judge Suzanne H. Bauknight and explored the people, events, and ideas that have shaped Tennessee at the East Tennessee History Center.

Through experiences that connect constitutional principles, civic institutions, and history, the academy helps educators bring a deeper understanding of citizenship and self-government back to their classrooms.

Educators from across Tennessee are in Knoxville this week for the TN Civics Academy, engaging with experts and strengthening civics education in their classrooms.

“Civics is important because it reinforces what we teach. I enjoy hearing professors share their perspectives and bringing those ideas back to our students. It all connects to the civics and history we teach.” — Darrell Schwartz, Kingston High School, Roane County, TN

More than 100 educators from across Tennessee gathered in Knoxville to kick off the TN Civics Academy, spending the day learning from Institute of American Civics experts.

Centered on this year's theme, Celebrating America at 250, sessions explored the Revolutionary War's international impact, the connection between civic and economic rights, and Frederick Douglass's call to measure the nation's progress against the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence.