U.S. Department of Education
02/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/06/2026 17:53
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Visits Alabama on Returning Education to the States and 'History Rocks!' Tours
February 6, 2026
ALABAMA - Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Alabama in support of both the U.S. Department of Education's national Returning Education to the States Tour and 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 aims to strengthen civic literacy by helping students personally connect with America's founding principles in celebration of America's upcoming 250th birthday.
As part of her Returning Education to the States Tour, Secretary McMahon first visited Lee Elementary School in Satsuma, Alabama, where she observed multiple classrooms, including one serving students with disabilities. Later in the day, she continued the Returning Education to the States Tour at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, touring the engineering building to see how Auburn is preparing students for the workforce. She also met with university leadership to discuss key issues in higher education, including protecting student-athletes and collegiate athletic scholarships and opportunities.
In support of her History Rocks! tour, Secretary McMahon visited Satsuma High School in Satsuma, Alabama, where she toured classrooms and participated in an assembly with over 700 students in seventh through twelfth grades. These students played interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history and civics and the important role Alabama has played in our nation's history. The event included remarks from Principal Jason Golden, Superintendent Dana Price, former Auburn University men's basketball head coach Bruce Pearl, and Secretary McMahon.
"It was a joy to visit Alabama today, listening to educators, visiting classrooms, and seeing firsthand how local communities lead the way," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "From elementary classrooms to Auburn's engineering labs, Alabama is showing how strong civic principles and workforce preparation go hand in hand. Watching students proudly raise flags, stand for the anthem, and dive into America's history isn't politics-it's patriotism. I'm encouraged to see how Alabama, in many ways, is helping students safeguard the values that make our nation exceptional while preparing them for the opportunities of tomorrow."
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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