Illinois Council for the Social Studies

Presents

Exploring the Many Peoples, Voices, and Histories in US and Illinois History: Context and Resources for Teachers

A Professional Development Series

Winter and Spring
2025

To register for individual seminar events, please go to the subpage for each event in the menu above. 

The State of Illinois has long recognized the importance of learning specific topics in history, civics, geography, and economics. Recently, Illinois has begun embracing a wider range of voices, experiences, contributions, and stories from historically marginalized communities and identities. This Professional Development Credit seminar series provides ICSS members opportunity to explore Illinois Instructional Mandates to better serve their students.
Each two-hour seminar includes:
*Overview of the instructional mandate
*History and context of the voices being highlighted
*Discussion of challenges teachers and students face
*Resources for teachers
*Collegial discussion
*Question/answer
*Next steps
 
Professional Development Credit:
Upon completion of each seminar event, attendees will be sent a survey to complete. Once completed, attendees will be directed to a site so they can download documentation required for ISBE.
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Zoom Link:
Two Days prior to the event, registrants will receive a Zoom link for the Seminar event.

Registration:
Registration is open to current ICSS members. Regular dues are $25 per year and provide access to all online professional development at no extra charge. Membership also includes reduced rates for our in-person conferences.
CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF ICSS!

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January 27, 2025 5:00-7:00pm
Introduction to the Illinois Instructional Mandates: Opportunities and Challenges
Join ICSS Executive Director Ben Wellenreiter for an introduction to the Illinois Instructional Mandates for Social Studies. This session will describe differences between standards and mandates, will provide session attendees opportunity to explore the wording and spirit of the mandates, and will work to bring the mandates into focus for teachers and administrators.

February, 26 2025—6:00-8:00pm
History of European Antisemitism
Where does antisemitism come from? This question – often asked when students learn about the Holocaust – is as relevant today as it has ever been. The history of this phenomenon is over 2,000 years old, but courses that deal with the Holocaust often do not consider pre-20th century history. This session will equip teachers in helping students understand the origins of this form of hatred and how it has persisted within modern expressions, allowing students to better understand and combat antisemitism’s current forms. Using an array of interactive primary sources, teachers will experience student activities and receive classroom ready materials. 

March, 12 2025--6:00-8:00pm
Asian American History
Every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American history, including the history of Asian Americans in Illinois and the Midwest, as well as the contributions of Asian Americans toward advancing civil rights from the 19th century onward. Join Esther Hurh from Asian-Americans Advancing Justice Chicago for a two-hour seminar on Asian American history. The seminar includes case studies of the contributions of Asian Americans; discussion of tropes and stereotypes of the Asian American Community; and resources for teachers.

April, ## 2025
Native American History
Every public elementary school and high school social studies course pertaining to American history or government shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of the Native American experience and Native American history within the Midwest and this state since time immemorial. Join us for discussion of how to best bring the Native American history experience to our students. (Date/time TBD—Stay tuned!)

May ## 2025
Disability Education
Illinois schools must provide instruction on disability history, people with disabilities, and the disability rights movement. Join us for discussion of how to best bring the deep history, People, and Rights movement of people with disabilities. (Date/Time TBD—Stay Tuned!)