A Semiquincentennial Seminar Series for Teachers
Hosted by the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
A Semiquincentennial Seminar Series for Teachers Hosted by the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
A Semiquincentennial Seminar Series for Teachers
Hosted by the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
A Semiquincentennial Seminar Series for Teachers Hosted by the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
Understanding Our Constitutional Republic at 250
A Semiquincentennial Seminar Series for Teachers Hosted by the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University
First Principles in Practice: Teaching the American Political Tradition is a year-long professional learning initiative that includes a five-day in-person seminar series, six virtual Civics Labs, and an in-person Capstone Project Seminar Session. This program aligns with the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The professional learning is designed to strengthen teacher knowledge and classroom practice through:
Expert lectures delivered by scholars and practitioners providing a deep study of foundational texts and ideas
Pedagogical strategies using inquiry-based and primary-source driven instruction
Teacher-developed classroom activities using the Florida State Academic Standards in Social Studies
The program supports teachers in helping students better understand America’s founding principles, constitutional development, and the continuing effort to fulfill those principles across time.
Discover the remarkable individuals driving change at the Adam Smith Center. Our fellows and team members are dedicated to advancing economic freedom and empowering future leaders.
Professor of Practice and Associate Director for Degree Programs
Dr. Cory Way is a lawyer and academic who manages the Adam Smith Center’s leadership degrees and post-doctoral…
Adjunct Lecturer
Anthony Rionda serves as FIU’s Associate Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Communications, where he works to support the University’s agenda…
Check back soon as we update our FIU Scholars and Practitioners
Discover the remarkable individuals driving change at the Adam Smith Center. Our fellows and team members are dedicated to advancing economic freedom and empowering future leaders.
Professor of Practice and Associate Director for Degree Programs
Dr. Cory Way is a lawyer and academic who manages the Adam Smith Center’s leadership degrees and post-doctoral…
Adjunct Lecturer
Anthony Rionda serves as FIU’s Associate Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Communications, where he works to support the University’s agenda…
Check back soon as we update our FIU Scholars and Practitioners
Discover the remarkable individuals driving change at the Adam Smith Center. Our fellows and team members are dedicated to advancing economic freedom and empowering future leaders.
Professor of Practice and Associate Director for Degree Programs
Dr. Cory Way is a lawyer and academic who manages the Adam Smith Center’s leadership degrees and post-doctoral…
Adjunct Lecturer
Anthony Rionda serves as FIU’s Associate Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Communications, where he works to support the University’s agenda…
Founding Director
Discover the remarkable individuals driving change at the Adam Smith Center. Our fellows and team members are dedicated to advancing
Founding Director
Discover the remarkable individuals driving change at the Adam Smith Center. Our fellows and team members are dedicated to advancing
Each participant who successfully completes the full program will receive:
The seminar series is available for 150 participants. Each participant will receive a $1,500 stipend after successfully completing all of the following components of the program:
Seminar Series at Florida International University (FIU), Modesto Maidique Campus, 11200 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199 on June 8 – 12, 2026 (8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
During the school year, from September 2026 – April 2027 (2 hours each)
Culminating Capstone Showcase Session at the end of the school year in May 2027
This opportunity is open to 6th – 12th grade teachers in Florida who teach:
Teachers from all Florida public school districts and charter schools are eligible and encouraged to apply using the link below:
The seminar series is available for 150 participants. Each participant will receive a $1,500 stipend after successfully completing all of the following components of the program:
Seminar Series at Florida International University (FIU), Modesto Maidique Campus, 11200 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199 on June 8 – 12, 2026 (8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
During the school year, from September 2026 – April 2027 (2 hours each)
Culminating Capstone Showcase Session at the end of the school year in May 2027
This opportunity is open to 6th – 12th grade teachers in Florida who teach:
Teachers from all Florida public school districts and charter schools are eligible and encouraged to apply using the link below:
Each participant who successfully completes the full program will receive:
The First Principles in Practice experience is designed as a year-long professional learning journey that combines in-person seminars, virtual collaboration, and classroom application.
Teachers begin the program by participating in a five-day, in-person seminar at Florida International University, hosted by the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom.
Each day focuses on a key chapter in American History, from the founding ideals of the nation to the ongoing effort to expand and fulfill those principles. The seminars feature:
Participants leave each session with practical tools, lesson ideas, and deeper historical insight.
During the school year, teachers participate in virtual professional learning labs that extend the work of the summer seminars and provide support towards the implementation of classroom Capstone Project.
These sessions provide opportunities for educators to:
The labs ensure that the learning remains active, collaborative, and relevant to classroom practice.
Each participating teacher designs and implements a student-centered civic engagement project. These projects help students explore how American ideals, such as liberty, equality, and civic responsibility, continue to shape modern society.
Teachers will:
At the end of the program, teachers will share their projects with fellow participants during the in-person Capstone Projects Seminar Showcase at FIU and will contribute to a growing Civic Literacy Toolkit that will support educators statewide.
First Principles in Practice: Teaching the American Political Tradition
What is the “First Principles in Practice” program?
First Principles in Practice: Teaching the American Political Tradition is a year-long professional learning initiative led by Florida International University’s (FIU) Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom. In honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary), this program is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of American history, civics, and government through intensive, primary-source documents to anchor the learning.
Who is eligible to participate?
The program is open to middle and high school Civics, U.S. History, U.S. Government, and/or Social Studies teachers across Florida. Each year, 150 teachers will be selected, totaling 450 participants over three years. Public and charter school educators are encouraged to apply.
What does the professional learning series involve?
The series consists of three main components:
What is the Civic Immersion Experience in Washington, D.C.?
Each year, 25 participating educators who have successfully completed the program will be selected for an optional, high-impact three-day experience in Washington, D.C. This immersion experience includes:
The optional 3-day immersion is open to 25 educators annually who have successfully participated in that year’s seminar cohort. Interested teachers must submit an application to be selected for this experience at the FIU in Washington, D.C. Center.
What specific topics will be covered during the seminars?
The curriculum is organized into the following thematic modules:
Is the program aligned with the Florida State Academic Standards for Social Studies?
Yes. All instructional content and materials are strictly aligned with the Florida State Academic Standards for Social Studies, ensuring that the knowledge gained is immediately applicable to classrooms and assessments.
What are the benefits of participating?
Participants will receive:
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost for educators to attend the professional learning opportunities. The program provides stipends to support teacher participation.
How do I apply?
Interested educators must complete an online application at https://webforms.fiu.edu/view.php?id=5940867.
What are the hours for the Seminar Series?
The 5-day in-person Seminar Series will take place from June 8 – 12, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There will be one hour provided each day for lunch.
How are professional development (in-service) points tracked and awarded?
Attendance and completion are tracked through attendance logs and evaluation forms. For participants from Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), these will be managed through the online professional learning system, ensuring that teachers receive official credit from the hours spent in both in-person seminars and virtual labs. Participants from other districts or charter schools will receive documentation to coordinate credits with their local systems.
Summer 2026 – June 2027
Join a statewide community of educators exploring America’s founding principles and bring new civic learning experiences to your classroom.
Summer 2026 – June 2027
Join a statewide community of educators exploring America’s founding principles and bring new civic learning experiences to your classroom.
Florida International University is a vibrant, student-centered public research university, ideally located in Miami, that is worlds ahead in its commitment to learning, research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity so that our graduates are prepared to succeed in a global market.
Email us at teachfreedom@fiu.edu today for more information.