Supreme Court Teacher Institute

The Florida Supreme Court Teacher Institute (CTI) provides innovative hands-on training to 20 to 25 secondary teachers in Florida each year. The program is recognized internationally as a model in law-related civic education and its graduates receive the honor of becoming Fellows of the Florida Supreme Court Teacher Institute.

Supreme Court Teacher Institute 

The 2020 CTI was set to be held April 19 - 23 in Tallahassee at the Florida Supreme Court. Florida middle or high school teachers who teach civics, law, American Government, history, or similar courses are encouraged to apply. We regret that the 2020 CTI has been canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The CTI will be back at a future date.

Listening to the mock oral arguments are (l–r) Ms Jenny Gulli, of Osceola Creek Middle School; Dr. Marjorie Chiarolanzio, of Oxbridge Academy; Mr. Charles Leadingham, of Bell Creek Academy; Ms Lorun Austin, of Cocoa Junior/Senior High School; and Mr. Michael Rogers, of Lake Asbury Junior High School.

About the Program

Sponsored and hosted by the Supreme Court of Florida, this five-day training incorporates:

• Mock oral arguments
• Overview of the State Courts System
• Technology and the Courts
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Law-related lessons
• History of the Supreme Court of Florida
• Visits to the trial and appellate courts
• Case studies
• Issues confronting the state courts
• And more!

Supreme Court Teacher Institute 2019

The most recent statewide Teacher Institute was held in February 2019 at the Supreme Court Building in Tallahassee. 

Read more about the 2019 program in the articles below or on the Supreme Court Facebook page:

• The Florida Supreme Court Teacher Institute, by Beth Schwarz, Court Publications Writer
• Teaching Teachers: 2019 Court Teacher Institute, by Public Information Interns

Classroom Coverage & Travel

Travel expenses, in accordance with state guidelines, and substitute coverage are paid for participants.

Who can apply?

Florida middle or high school teachers who teach civics, law, American Government, history, or similar courses are encouraged to apply.

One of Florida's greatest strengths is the rich social, ethnic, and gender diversity of its citizenry, and the inclusion of diverse population groups is a priority of the State Courts System. Thus, the Florida Supreme Court Teacher Institute encourages participation by teachers who will interact with students of diverse backgrounds or who are themselves members of a minority group.

CTI Fellows

After successfully completing the Teacher Institute, teachers will receive certificates recognizing them as Fellows of the Florida Supreme Court Teacher Institute, signed by all Justices of the Florida Supreme Court.  The List of CTI Fellows is maintained on this website.

Teacher Commitment

Teachers who participated in previous Florida Supreme Court Teacher Institute training sessions will conduct colleague training seminars in their local communities.

Contact Us

If you are a Florida middle or high school teacher who is interested in attending the next teacher training institute, please contact Emilie Rietow with the Florida Supreme Court at 850.921.9446 or rietowe@flcourts.org.