Call for Session Proposals and Session Panelists
“Social Studies 365: Illinois Perspectives”
Illinois Council for the Social Studies Associated Conference–National Council for the Social Studies
December 4-5, 2026 Chicago, Illinois
The Illinois Council for the Social Studies (ICSS) is proud to partner with the National Council for the Social Studies for the two-day ICSS In-House Conference, Associated with the NCSS Conference, December 4-5, 2026
Hyatt Regency Chicago Riverside Exhibit Hall 151 E Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601
Bridging their classrooms to local, state, national, and international communities, Illinois educators engage in essential work with students every day. From Galena to Cairo, Quincy to Charleston, Chicago to East St. Louis, Illinois teachers engage with their students in passionate, energized, and invigorating ways. Embracing Illinois’ interconnectedness with other Midwestern states, sessions that highlight interstate relationships or approaches are also invited.
This conference-within-a-conference provides an international venue for Illinois and Midwestern educators to highlight how they enact social studies in a way that demonstrates its importance 365 days a year. Aligning the ICSS Conference theme with the NCSS Conference theme, educators are encouraged to submit proposals for a 45 minute session that explores how their work reflects the mission of social studies, every day.
As you craft your proposal, you are asked to reflect on the following questions:
How do your teaching practices highlight connections between Illinois or Midwest communities and your students?
What Illinois or Midwestern resources or collaborations do you bring to your students?
*How are the voices, perspectives, and stories of Illinoisans or Midwesterners highlighted in your classrooms?
How do you celebrate marginalized Illinois or Midwestern histories, cultures, contributions, or perspectives?
How do you connect Illinois or Midwestern social studies to broader national and/or international communities.
This conference is a unique opportunity to welcome state, national, and international audiences to explore your work. Each session proposal must have objectives, strategies, and intended outcomes. Session presenters must register for the NCSS Annual Conference. Traditional ICSS conference rates do not apply to this once-in-a-career opportunity.
To apply click the link here: Session Application
Proposal deadline: Sunday, August 23, 2026, 11:59pm Central Daylight Time
Notification of Acceptance: Friday, August 29, 2026
The ICSS In-House Conference engages practicing PK-12 social studies teachers, preservice teachers, university faculty, social studies researchers, and concerned citizens. Participants will explore a variety of topics that are pertinent to social studies students and teachers in the field across grade levels and social studies content areas, focusing on Illinois or Midwestern connections.
Encouraging activities that explore practical experiences for classroom teachers, presenters are invited to bring to the conference innovative teaching methods, successful lesson plans, useful resources, or other sessions that will be of interest to the social studies community. ICSS particularly welcomes sessions that challenge teachers to explore new pedagogies or lines of thinking and sessions that highlight historically marginalized voices or perspectives. ICSS encourages proposals that include co-presenters or group presenters. Sessions are scheduled for 45 minutes. Please limit session proposals to not-for-profit individuals or groups.
Shown here are past session topics that have been successful in the past. You are welcome to address the following topics but you may certainly propose a topic beyond what is listed:
*Standards-based grading in Social Studies
*Primary source analysis techniques
*The opportunities and challenges of AI in the Social Studies classroom
*Creating and maintaining culturally responsive classrooms
*Deep questioning techniques Building positive relationships with colleagues and parents in an era of politically charged curriculum *Building equitable classroom libraries
*Engaging in difficult conversations
*Exploration of Illinois Social Studies Standards
*Technology integration in the Social Studies Classroom
When preparing a proposal, please consider the following:
Multiple proposal submissions are allowed and will require multiple survey submissions (one fully completed survey per proposal). Given space limitations at the conference venue, ICSS may be unable to accept all submissions and may limit accepted participants to a single presentation.
Sessions are approximately 45 minutes in length.
Technology and Wi-Fi are available in each room.
Session proposals must contain the following information:
1. Presenter(s):
2. Affiliation(s):
3. Primary Contact Email:
4. Secondary Contact Email:
5. Presenter(s) biographies (30 words max):
6. Presenter qualification. Prior to professional development activities, at least one presenter of the session must confirm they meet at least TWO of the three following criteria.
a. Hold an advanced degree in subject matter;
b. Have at least 3-5 years field-experience/real-life experience in subject matter;
c. Have presented on subject matter through prior professional development outside of ICSS. 7. Session title (12 words max) 8. Session abstract (40 words max):
9. Intended audience: PreK-12 (general audience) Early Childhood Elementary Middle Level Secondary/High School Special Education
10. Objective(s) of Session:
11. Description of Session: (400 words max)
12. How the session might connect to the conference theme or subtheme: (100 words max)
13. Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Outcome(s) for the Professional Development
14. Describe how your session impacts educator and students growth in regards to one or more of the following: a. Content knowledge or skills, or both: b. Educator and student social and emotional growth; c. Alignment to district or school improvement plans
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Call for Session Panelists Illinois Council for the Social Studies
Associated Conference–National Council for the Social Studies December 4-6, 2026 Chicago, Illinois
The Illinois Council for the Social Studies (ICSS) is proud to partner with the National Council for the Social Studies for the two-day ICSS In-House Conference, Associated with the NCSS Conference, December 4-5, 2026
Hyatt Regency Chicago Riverside Exhibit Hall 151 E Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601
Theme: Social Studies 365: Illinois Perspectives The Illinois Council for the Social Studies invites nominations for two panel discussions during the two-day ICSS In-House Conference, associated with the NCSS Annual Conference, December 4-5, 2026, Chicago Illinois.
PANEL #1: Bridging Research to Practice: Recent Research in Illinois
This panel aims to highlight current research conducted in or about Illinois that has clear and actionable value for PK–12 classroom practitioners, instructional coaches, and district leaders. Panels should bridge the gap between research and practice by offering:
Evidence-based insights that inform real-world teaching Practical applications educators can implement immediately Strategies grounded in current scholarship Opportunities for dialogue between researchers and practitioners We welcome panelists who: Conduct research in social studies teaching and learning, civic education, history education, geography education, global studies, multicultural education, or related domains Are faculty, graduate researchers, or members of research centers in Illinois Can communicate research in a practitioner-friendly, engaging format Value collaboration with educators and communities
PANEL #2: Illinois Social Studies Standards and Instructional Mandates: Social Studies 365
The Illinois Council for the Social Studies invites educators, instructional leaders, and practitioner–researchers to serve as panelists for a panel discussion focused on the Illinois Social Science Learning Standards and Mandated Units of Instruction. This practitioner-centered panel discussion will highlight how Illinois educators are navigating, interpreting, and implementing:
The Illinois Social Science Learning Standards State Mandated Units of Instruction (e.g., civics, genocide studies, Black history, LGBTQ+ history, Asian American history, financial literacy, media literacy, and others)
Panels should explore real-world opportunities and challenges, showcasing practical strategies, implementation stories, and insights grounded in classroom experience. Panelists should prioritize concrete examples, classroom resources, and actionable insights that attendees can bring back to their schools.
We Seek Panelists Who Can Address Topics Such As:
Effective classroom models that bring mandated topics to life Inquiry-based or disciplinary approaches aligned to the Illinois standards Strategies for integration across grade levels and content areas Partnerships with museums, community organizations, and cultural institutions High-impact instructional practices that support diverse learners Time constraints and curricular overcrowding Resource gaps or lack of materials aligned to Illinois mandates Navigating difficult histories or controversial issues Supporting teacher confidence and content knowledge Assessment and accountability considerations We welcome nominations from: *PK–12 teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders *Teacher educators with strong practitioner partnerships *Researchers or graduate students working directly with Illinois schools *District or regional leaders who support standards implementation *Practitioners who have piloted or scaled initiatives tied to Illinois mandates
Panel Format 50 minutes 3–4 panelists plus a moderator
Panelists will share brief insights before moving to a practitioner-focused Q&A Sessions will emphasize tools, models, or takeaways educators can use immediately
This conference is a unique opportunity to welcome state, national, and international audiences to explore your work. Panelists must register for the NCSS Annual Conference. Traditional ICSS conference rates do not apply to this once-in-a-career opportunity.
To apply click the link here: Panel Application
Nomination deadline: Sunday, August 23, 2026, 11:59pm Central Daylight Time Notification of Acceptance: Friday, August 29, 2026
Hyatt Regency Chicago Riverside Exhibit Hall 151 E Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601
Bridging their classrooms to local, state, national, and international communities, Illinois educators engage in essential work with students every day. From Galena to Cairo, Quincy to Charleston, Chicago to East St. Louis, Illinois teachers engage with their students in passionate, energized, and invigorating ways. Embracing Illinois’ interconnectedness with other Midwestern states, sessions that highlight interstate relationships or approaches are also invited.
This conference-within-a-conference provides an international venue for Illinois and Midwestern educators to highlight how they enact social studies in a way that demonstrates its importance 365 days a year. Aligning the ICSS Conference theme with the NCSS Conference theme, educators are encouraged to submit proposals for a 45 minute session that explores how their work reflects the mission of social studies, every day.
As you craft your proposal, you are asked to reflect on the following questions:
How do your teaching practices highlight connections between Illinois or Midwest communities and your students?
What Illinois or Midwestern resources or collaborations do you bring to your students?
*How are the voices, perspectives, and stories of Illinoisans or Midwesterners highlighted in your classrooms?
How do you celebrate marginalized Illinois or Midwestern histories, cultures, contributions, or perspectives?
How do you connect Illinois or Midwestern social studies to broader national and/or international communities.
This conference is a unique opportunity to welcome state, national, and international audiences to explore your work. Each session proposal must have objectives, strategies, and intended outcomes. Session presenters must register for the NCSS Annual Conference. Traditional ICSS conference rates do not apply to this once-in-a-career opportunity.
To apply click the link here: Session Application
Proposal deadline: Sunday, August 23, 2026, 11:59pm Central Daylight Time
Notification of Acceptance: Friday, August 29, 2026
The ICSS In-House Conference engages practicing PK-12 social studies teachers, preservice teachers, university faculty, social studies researchers, and concerned citizens. Participants will explore a variety of topics that are pertinent to social studies students and teachers in the field across grade levels and social studies content areas, focusing on Illinois or Midwestern connections.
Encouraging activities that explore practical experiences for classroom teachers, presenters are invited to bring to the conference innovative teaching methods, successful lesson plans, useful resources, or other sessions that will be of interest to the social studies community. ICSS particularly welcomes sessions that challenge teachers to explore new pedagogies or lines of thinking and sessions that highlight historically marginalized voices or perspectives. ICSS encourages proposals that include co-presenters or group presenters. Sessions are scheduled for 45 minutes. Please limit session proposals to not-for-profit individuals or groups.
Shown here are past session topics that have been successful in the past. You are welcome to address the following topics but you may certainly propose a topic beyond what is listed:
*Standards-based grading in Social Studies
*Primary source analysis techniques
*The opportunities and challenges of AI in the Social Studies classroom
*Creating and maintaining culturally responsive classrooms
*Deep questioning techniques Building positive relationships with colleagues and parents in an era of politically charged curriculum *Building equitable classroom libraries
*Engaging in difficult conversations
*Exploration of Illinois Social Studies Standards
*Technology integration in the Social Studies Classroom
When preparing a proposal, please consider the following:
Multiple proposal submissions are allowed and will require multiple survey submissions (one fully completed survey per proposal). Given space limitations at the conference venue, ICSS may be unable to accept all submissions and may limit accepted participants to a single presentation.
Sessions are approximately 45 minutes in length.
Technology and Wi-Fi are available in each room.
Session proposals must contain the following information:
1. Presenter(s):
2. Affiliation(s):
3. Primary Contact Email:
4. Secondary Contact Email:
5. Presenter(s) biographies (30 words max):
6. Presenter qualification. Prior to professional development activities, at least one presenter of the session must confirm they meet at least TWO of the three following criteria.
a. Hold an advanced degree in subject matter;
b. Have at least 3-5 years field-experience/real-life experience in subject matter;
c. Have presented on subject matter through prior professional development outside of ICSS. 7. Session title (12 words max) 8. Session abstract (40 words max):
9. Intended audience: PreK-12 (general audience) Early Childhood Elementary Middle Level Secondary/High School Special Education
10. Objective(s) of Session:
11. Description of Session: (400 words max)
12. How the session might connect to the conference theme or subtheme: (100 words max)
13. Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Outcome(s) for the Professional Development
14. Describe how your session impacts educator and students growth in regards to one or more of the following: a. Content knowledge or skills, or both: b. Educator and student social and emotional growth; c. Alignment to district or school improvement plans
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Call for Session Panelists Illinois Council for the Social Studies
Associated Conference–National Council for the Social Studies December 4-6, 2026 Chicago, Illinois
The Illinois Council for the Social Studies (ICSS) is proud to partner with the National Council for the Social Studies for the two-day ICSS In-House Conference, Associated with the NCSS Conference, December 4-5, 2026
Hyatt Regency Chicago Riverside Exhibit Hall 151 E Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601
Theme: Social Studies 365: Illinois Perspectives The Illinois Council for the Social Studies invites nominations for two panel discussions during the two-day ICSS In-House Conference, associated with the NCSS Annual Conference, December 4-5, 2026, Chicago Illinois.
PANEL #1: Bridging Research to Practice: Recent Research in Illinois
This panel aims to highlight current research conducted in or about Illinois that has clear and actionable value for PK–12 classroom practitioners, instructional coaches, and district leaders. Panels should bridge the gap between research and practice by offering:
Evidence-based insights that inform real-world teaching Practical applications educators can implement immediately Strategies grounded in current scholarship Opportunities for dialogue between researchers and practitioners We welcome panelists who: Conduct research in social studies teaching and learning, civic education, history education, geography education, global studies, multicultural education, or related domains Are faculty, graduate researchers, or members of research centers in Illinois Can communicate research in a practitioner-friendly, engaging format Value collaboration with educators and communities
PANEL #2: Illinois Social Studies Standards and Instructional Mandates: Social Studies 365
The Illinois Council for the Social Studies invites educators, instructional leaders, and practitioner–researchers to serve as panelists for a panel discussion focused on the Illinois Social Science Learning Standards and Mandated Units of Instruction. This practitioner-centered panel discussion will highlight how Illinois educators are navigating, interpreting, and implementing:
The Illinois Social Science Learning Standards State Mandated Units of Instruction (e.g., civics, genocide studies, Black history, LGBTQ+ history, Asian American history, financial literacy, media literacy, and others)
Panels should explore real-world opportunities and challenges, showcasing practical strategies, implementation stories, and insights grounded in classroom experience. Panelists should prioritize concrete examples, classroom resources, and actionable insights that attendees can bring back to their schools.
We Seek Panelists Who Can Address Topics Such As:
Effective classroom models that bring mandated topics to life Inquiry-based or disciplinary approaches aligned to the Illinois standards Strategies for integration across grade levels and content areas Partnerships with museums, community organizations, and cultural institutions High-impact instructional practices that support diverse learners Time constraints and curricular overcrowding Resource gaps or lack of materials aligned to Illinois mandates Navigating difficult histories or controversial issues Supporting teacher confidence and content knowledge Assessment and accountability considerations We welcome nominations from: *PK–12 teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders *Teacher educators with strong practitioner partnerships *Researchers or graduate students working directly with Illinois schools *District or regional leaders who support standards implementation *Practitioners who have piloted or scaled initiatives tied to Illinois mandates
Panel Format 50 minutes 3–4 panelists plus a moderator
Panelists will share brief insights before moving to a practitioner-focused Q&A Sessions will emphasize tools, models, or takeaways educators can use immediately
This conference is a unique opportunity to welcome state, national, and international audiences to explore your work. Panelists must register for the NCSS Annual Conference. Traditional ICSS conference rates do not apply to this once-in-a-career opportunity.
To apply click the link here: Panel Application
Nomination deadline: Sunday, August 23, 2026, 11:59pm Central Daylight Time Notification of Acceptance: Friday, August 29, 2026