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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 Call for Session Proposals
“Social Studies: The Art and Science of It All” 2026 Illinois Council for the Social Studies Spring Conference Eastern Illinois University, Charleston Illinois Thursday, April 9, 2026 The Illinois Council for the Social Studies and Department of History at Eastern Illinois University invite session proposals for the ICSS Spring 2026 Conference, held on the campus of Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois, on THURSDAY, April 9, 2026. Please note the “day change” of the conference to a Thursday, which is different from past ICSS practice. We encourage proposals that connect to this year’s conference theme, Social Studies: The Art and Science of It All. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, it is an opportune moment to reflect on how the teaching of social studies has evolved alongside the nation itself. Over time, instruction has become a dynamic blend of both art and science, designed to cultivate students as curious, critical inquirers. The science of the discipline lies in the data—evidence, sources, and analysis—while the art emerges in how that data is interpreted, contextualized, and transformed into compelling narratives that deepen understanding and engagement. The ICSS Spring 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 and sessions that are pertinent to social studies students and teachers in the field across grade levels and social studies content areas. We encourage proposals connecting to this year’s conference theme: “United We Teach: The Social Studies Classroom as a Laboratory for Civic Trust”. 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 50 minutes. Proposals from first-time session presenters and co-presentations are encouraged. 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 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 “What I learned in my first years of teaching” 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). Due to the potential that the number of submissions may exceed the space limitations at the conference venue, ICSS may have to limit individuals to a single presentation. We apologize if this is the case. *Sessions are approximately 50 minutes in length. *Technology and Wi-Fi are available in each room. Session proposals should contain the following information: 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 Presenters will be notified of the acceptance status of their proposals by Friday, February 6, 2026. Presenters are expected to register for the conference. **Proposal submission deadline is Sunday, February 1, 2026, 11:59pm** If you need more time to complete a submission or have questions regarding the conference, please contact Theresa Coomer, ICSS Conference Program Director, at [email protected] Please click on the following link to submit your proposal: https://forms.gle/XATLH9xz2uuxoupbA 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. |