JMC Chair Testifies Before Congress on Civic Education

Michael Weiser addresses Congress on reclaiming curiosity and confidence in civic education.

Washington, D.C. [December 6, 2024] — Michael Weiser, Chair of the Jack Miller Center (JMC) board, appeared before the U.S. House Committee on Education & Workforce Development this week to testify about the state of civic education in America. In his testimony, Weiser highlighted the critical need to strengthen civic literacy in the classroom and emphasized the importance of supporting educators to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for active, informed citizenship.

“Anyone who has lived in this decade can tell you that the United States of America has had some hard days,” said Weiser. “I come with hopeful news…our country is experiencing a renaissance of interest in civics education. And none too soon.”

Weiser’s testimony comes at a pivotal moment as the nation grapples with growing concerns over political polarization, civic disengagement, and a decline in foundational knowledge of American history and government. Speaking before the committee, Weiser argued that restoring a strong civic education in America’s founding principles and history is the key to getting our democratic society back on track.

The Jack Miller Center, through its partnerships with educators and civic leaders, has long been a champion of first principles civic education. Weiser’s testimony underscores the JMC’s commitment to shaping a future where educators are prepared to empower the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to be informed and engaged citizens.

“We need to work together to find solutions for this crisis of knowledge and this crisis of
confidence,” said Weiser. “We need to support civics teachers every way we can, so they can, in turn, teach students to grow into their roles as young citizens and take responsibility for self-government.”

To watch Michael Weiser’s full testimony, click here. To read the full transcript of his remarks, click here.

The full hearing can be viewed on the House Committee on Education & the Workforce’s YouTube page here.

About the Jack Miller Center (JMC)
The Jack Miller Center is a nonpartisan educational venture to advance the work of scholars who teach and study the ideas, documents, and history we hold in common as Americans. We seek to grow the talent pipeline of university educators who teach the American political tradition, to forge new models for university-based training of K-12 civics and history teachers, and to build a diverse coalition of Americans to ignite a civic education renaissance.

For more information, visit www.jackmillercenter.org

Contact:
Marlee Promisel
Director of Communications
Jack Miller Center
mpromisel@gojmc.org