The Palmetto Education Summit 2026

This professional development session introduces educators to the Palmetto Civics Project, a South Carolina Department of Education initiative designed to strengthen civic literacy, character development, and student engagement through meaningful, real-world connections. Participants will explore key resources such as the Palmetto Pioneers, which highlight influential South Carolinians and the civic virtues they embody and examine how these tools can be used to bring civics to life across grade levels and content areas.

Discover how the Medal of Honor Character Development Program brings democratic principles to life through powerful, real-world stories. This interactive session showcases free lessons that build civic engagement, ethical decision-making, and student voice. Participants will explore primary sources, short video scenarios, and discussion strategies that help students connect acts of courage and service to their own roles as citizens. Leave with ready-to-use resources that inspire character, empathy, and community-minded action.

What can constitutional law teach students about respectful disagreement? High School Law Review explores that question through Supreme Court case analysis, structured oral presentation, and legal writing. In this workshop, we'll look at how HSLR fits into existing Government courses and how students are rewarded for publishing legal analysis in school-based, state-wide, and national law reviews. For South Carolina students, standout legal notes earn an invitation to our inaugural South Carolina Law Review competition. This in-person event where students defend their work before a live audience and recognizes them alongside the teachers who supported them. Together, we'll explore how studying the law sharpens critical thinking, builds civic literacy, and models the rigorous, humble disagreement our students need most.