Governor highlights civics push: teacher bonuses, 50‑hour 'civic seal' and speech-and-debate expansion

The governor used an America 250 event in The Villages to detail a state-backed expansion of civics education, saying K–12 teachers can complete a 50‑hour 'civic seal of excellence' program and receive a $3,000 bonus. He said 21,000 teachers have participated and that the state has paid out "over $60 million in bonuses."

He also emphasized the growth of speech-and-debate programs, noting a state championship hosted at New College in Sarasota that awarded a $50,000 scholarship to the winner. "Every single person we graduate out of our K12 system is going to be called upon to exercise the duties of being an American citizen," the governor said, framing civics instruction as foundational to other educational success.

Secretary of State Cord Bird endorsed the focus on civic instruction, saying the state’s America 250 activities are meant to "teach our children what this nation is about." The governor linked the teacher program to his administration’s broader education agenda, including claims about improved proficiency scores and higher-education rankings under his tenure.