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Mark your Calendars for two great events!
2026 Spring ICSS Conference Thursday, April 9, 2026 Eastern Illinois University and National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference Chicago, IL December 4-6, 2026 Welcome Social Studies Educators!
Founded in 1938, The Illinois Council for the Social Studies is Illinois’ premiere professional organization for Pre-K-Graduate Level Social Science educators. ICSS works to develop the professional skill of social studies classroom teachers, engage in dialogue regarding best-practices in the social studies, and serve as a venue for the ongoing task of educating Illinois’ students in history, geography, civics, economics, psychology, sociology, religious studies, and other areas critical to sustaining our democratic institutions. As an affiliate of the National Council for the Social Studies, (NCSS), the Illinois Council for the Social Studies serves as the professional home for many Illinois teachers. With the ever-growing complexity of the education landscape, having a venue for dialogue regarding social studies teaching is more important than ever. ICSS is committed to engaging in this dialogue in a broad effort to serve students, families, teachers, and all the people of Illinois. Please browse the pages on this site to learn more about professional development opportunities and the NCSS. You may also follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Twitter by clicking on the icons at the bottom of the page. You are invited to contact ICSS Executive Director Ben Wellenreiter or any member of the ICSS Board of Directors for more information. Sincerely, Dr. Benjamin R. Wellenreiter Executive Director Illinois Council for the Social Studies Associate Professor, Middle Level Education School of Teaching and Learning Illinois State University Normal, Illinois [email protected] Click here to join ICSS
1. Stay current on what’s new in social studies education! 2. Make social studies contacts across the state:
3. Receive new materials through -
4. Learn about professional grants, fellowships, and conferences. 5. Obtain help with the textbook evaluation and selection process by meeting with major publishers at the ICSS Fall and Spring Conferences. |
Congratulations to the
2026 ICSS Executive Board Members! President
Andy Levin Harper College President Elect Theresa Coomer Paw Paw CUDS 271 Vice-President William Gunn Lincolnwood High School Secretary Jacquelyn Benchik-Osborne Chicago State University Website Communications Dave McMullen Bradley University Treasurer Jessica Toran Naper Settlement Historian Megan VanGorder Illinois State University 9-12 Grade Representative John Bierbaum Normal West High School 9-12 Grade Representative Ryan D’Arcy Bond County high School 9-12 Grade Representative Kathleen Mahoney Lake View High School 6-8 Grade representative Brandon West Altamont Lutheran Interparish School 6-8 Grade representative Lauren Brown Oak Park 6-8 Grade representative vacant 3-5 Grade Representative Vacant 3-5 Grade Representative Vacant 3-5 Grade Representative Vacant Pre-K-2nd Grade Representative Vacant Pre-K-2nd Grade Representative Vacant Pre-K-2nd Grade Representative vacant Higher Education Representative Jay Bickford Eastern Illinois University Higher Education Representative Fred Isele Higher Education Representative Bill Waychunas Bradley University At Large Representative Crystal Johnson Chicago History Museum At Large Representative Olivia Leiby At Large Representative ICSS Constitution Revision
ICSS membership approved the revised Constitution. This revision will increase representation across grade levels, special interest groups, and subject areas. The new Constitution can be found here. |