Secretary McMahon Begins 50-State Returning Education to the States Tour in Idaho

Press Release

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

April 21, 2026

COEUR D’ALENE, ID — Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy and Kootenai Technical Education Campus in support of the Returning Education to the States Tour and 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 joined Idaho Governor Brad Little at Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, where five hundred fifty students participated in interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history and civics and the important role Idaho has played in our nation’s history. The event opened with remarks from Head of School Dan Nicklay and teacher Ralph Ginorio, followed by Secretary McMahon and Governor Little. Students explored themes of civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibilities of citizenship.

Secretary McMahon and Governor Little then toured Kootenai Technical Education Campus, a public high school branch campus that offers career and technical training in fields and trades including welding, industrial mechanics, construction, and more.

“In Coeur d'Alene, we saw first hand how Idaho is bringing learning to life through interactive history and civics activities and strong career pathways that prepare students for the workforce,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “It was an honor to share America’s rich history with these students and to see how these impressive young people will help shape our nation’s bright future.”

“Idaho is proud to welcome Secretary McMahon as she highlights what we have long known – education is strongest when it is shaped by the people closest to our students. From the classrooms at Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, where students are engaging directly with the principles that define our nation, to the hands-on career training at Kootenai Technical Education Campus, Idaho is preparing young people not only to succeed in the workforce but to lead as informed, responsible citizens. As our country approaches its 250th anniversary, it is more important than ever that we invest in both a deep understanding of our history and the practical skills that will carry our state and nation forward. Idaho will continue leading with an education system that reflects our values, empowers our communities, and keeps opportunity within reach for every student,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little.

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.

Contact

Press Office (202) 401-1576 press@ed.gov

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