U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Visits Alaska on Returning Education to the States and 'History Rocks!' Nationwide Tours

ANCHORAGE, AK - Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Mat-Su Career & Tech High School in support of the Returning Education to the States Tour and Knik Charter School as part of the U.S. Department of Education's History Rocks!Trail to Independence Tour. On her Returning Education to the States Tour, Secretary McMahon is visiting all fifty states to hear from students, teachers, and leaders about best educational practices in their own communities. The History Rocks! Tour is a nationwide effort to highlight innovative approaches to teaching U.S. history ahead of our nation's 250th birthday. 

Secretary McMahon started her visit at Mat-Su Career & Tech High School alongside Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Deena Bishop, touring classrooms specializing in forestry, piloting, teacher housing. She then participated in a workforce development roundtable with students to hear what sets Mat-Su Career & Tech High School apart and how the programs support career development.

At Knik Charter School, students attended the History Rocks! Tour assembly, participating in interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history, civics, and the important role Alaska has played in our nation's history. The event opened with remarks from Principal Jason Moen and Commissioner Bishop, followed by Secretary McMahon. Students explored themes of civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibilities of citizenship.

"Across Alaska, we're seeing how rigorous academics and hands-on skills training work together to give students a clear path to opportunity," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "Mat-Su Career & Tech High School and Knik Charter School both exemplify how local leadership can shape programs that truly meet the needs and goals of their communities. As our nation approaches its 250th birthday, this community spirit and pioneering determination that built this state continues to inspire America's progress."

Background

On her Returning Education to the States Tour, Secretary McMahon is traveling to all 50 states to hear directly from teachers, parents, and community leaders about what is working in their communities for their students and compile a toolkit of best practices to distribute to states.

Learn more about Secretary McMahon's Returning Education to the States tour here.

The History Rocks! initiative is a key component of the U.S. Department of Education's celebrations for America's 250th birthday, in partnership with Freedom 250 and coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. Secretary McMahon, Administration officials, and education leaders will visit schools in all 50 states to showcase examples of high-quality history and civics instruction that bring American principles to life.

Learn more about the Department's Semiquincentennial initiatives here.

Freedom 250 leads the presidential programming for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. Its mission is to unite Americans around one shared purpose-celebrating the Triumph of the American Spirit by honoring our history, cherishing our freedoms, and building the golden age of opportunity for the next 250 years.

Learn more about Freedom 250 here.

The America 250 Civics Education Coalition is a national partnership with the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 50 national and state organizations. This coalition is dedicated to advancing civic education and expanding opportunities for students to learn about the ideas, individuals, and events that define the American story.

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