Governor’s Civics Seal

The Governor’s Civics Seal recognizes schools and districts that prioritize teaching our nation’s history and civic values.

Overview: Governor's Civics Seal

Civics education is an essential part of any democracy and equips students with the knowledge and tools to responsibly engage as productive citizens within their communities. Districts and schools can play a meaningful role in the work to support students’ foundational knowledge and preparedness for civic life – all key components of 21st century skills.

Recognizing the importance of civics values and education, Governor Bill Lee announced the “Governor’s Civics Seal” during his first State of the State address on March 4, 2019. Additionally, the Tennessee General Assembly passed HB0944/SB0800, which amended T.C.A. § 49-6-1018 to officially establish the “Governor’s Civics Seal.”

In 2020, the State Board of Education amended SBE Rule 0520-01-03-.07 to further outline the requirements for districts and schools to earn the seal.

Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education School Seal

Schools meeting the following eligibility criteria will be recognized as a Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education School:

a)       Incorporates civic learning across a broad range of grades and academic subjects that build on the Tennessee academic standards, such as the civics lesson plans and the blue book lesson plans provided by the secretary of state;

b)      Provides instruction regarding our nation’s democratic principles and practices, the significant events and individuals responsible for the creation of our foundational documents, and the formation of the governments of the United States and the state of Tennessee using the federal and state foundational documents, as evidenced by submission of at least five (5) lesson plans or activities that focus on civics and are aligned with the Tennessee academic standards and a summary of how the lesson was implemented;

c)       Provides professional development opportunities or student resources that facilitate civics education, such as civics education workshops offered by the secretary of state, as evidenced by submission of documentation identified by the Department of Education;

d)      Provides one (1) or more of the following opportunities for students to engage in real-world learning activities:

1.       Participation in a mock election, such as the secretary of state’s student mock election;

2.       Participation in the secretary of state’s civics essay contest by at least fifteen percent (15%) of the school’s students;

3.       A school voter registration drive for the school or community;

4.       Participation in another state or national civics-based contest by at least fifteen percent (15%) of the school’s students;

5.       Participation of an individual student or school team in the United States Senate Youth Program or Model United Nations;

6.       Participation in a real-world learning activity recognized by the Department of Education.

e)      Implements a high-quality, project-based assessment in accordance with T.C.A. § 49-6-1028(d), if applicable; and

f)        Is recognized as a civics all-star school in accordance with T.C.A. § 49-6-408, if applicable.

2020-21 Governor’s Civics Seal School and District Recipients

On Wednesday, August 11, 2021, Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Education announced the districts and schools earning the 2020-21 Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education and unveiled the Governor’s Civics Seal at McConnell Elementary in Hamilton County. The 53 schools and three districts receiving this designation will be recipients of the Governor’s Civics Seal, which recognizes schools and districts that prioritize teaching the nation’s history and civics values.

Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education District Seal

Each district with at least eighty percent (80%) of its schools having earned the seal will be recognized as a Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education District.

2020-21 Governor’s Civics Seal School and District Recipients

On Wednesday, August 11, 2021, Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Education announced the districts and schools earning the 2020-21 Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education and unveiled the Governor’s Civics Seal at McConnell Elementary in Hamilton County. The 53 schools and three districts receiving this designation will be recipients of the Governor’s Civics Seal, which recognizes schools and districts that prioritize teaching the nation’s history and civics values.

2023 Governor’s Civics Seal Application

To apply for the 2023 Governor’s Civics Seal, schools and/or districts may submit this form to apply for the Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education School Seal.

  • Principals may submit this application on behalf of the school.
  • Alternatively, the district's Director of Schools (or designee) may submit this application on behalf of one or more schools in the district.

The application window for schools to apply for the 2023 Governor’s Civics Seal is now open. Schools and/or districts may submit the school-level Governor’s Civics Seal application by 11:59 p.m. CT on August 15, 2023.

The department will release the list of schools and districts earning designations for the 2022-23 school year in September 2023. These recipients will also be recognized on the state report card.

Application resources:

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