News and Professional Development Activities
for Illinois Social Studies Teachers
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Social Studies News & Professional Development Opportunities
Here's What's Happening at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Opening Day for our new Home in Illinois Exhibit Approaches… Celebrating Women’s History Month… and a Special “Abe for All” Event Highlight March Happenings at the ALPLM!
Home is more than a structure. It’s a feeling of belonging and finding a sense of self and community. Whether by immigration, migration, or residency, Illinoisans from Cahokia to Lincoln into the present-day have experienced and imagined home in different ways. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum invites visitors to explore stories of home in a new exhibit, Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois, and opening day on Thursday, March 23 is fast approaching! Representing diverse experiences across the prairie state, this exhibit will inspire visitors to connect through artifacts, videos, and interactive features with how people have imagined, created, and found home in Illinois.
TEAM LINCOLN members will have an opportunity to tour this new exhibit before opening day! You could be a part of the sneak peak, too, by becoming a member today.
Join the women of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in celebrating Women’s History Month, as they share the stories behind their favorite items in our collections during a special edition of “Tales from the Vault.”
This will be a “hybrid” event with the opportunity to attend in-person or virtually. The program will take place in our library’s multi-purpose room on Thursday, March 2 at 12pm. The event is free; reservations are not required.
To watch virtually via Facebook Live, please go to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Facebook page. Open the page at the appointed time and scroll to the post highlighting the live event. Once you’re there, simply click on the image and watch the live video stream.
Tales from the Vault is a quarterly collaboration between the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Museum.
Fingerprints, snowflakes, you! What do all of these have in common? They are all “Delightfully Different!” Join the ALPLM's Education Team on Tuesday, March 28 at 10:00 am in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library as we share books and activities that highlight and celebrate quirks, all types of abilities, and the wonderful ways we are all unique.
This is a free program, but advance registration is required.
Can't attend in-person? Check out the virtual version on Thursday, March 23.
By the way, there’s still room for you and the kiddos to be a part of our February story time on the 28th – just register here!
For nearly two decades, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has proudly stood as the must-see attraction for visitors of central Illinois. Millions of guests have made the trip to Mr. Lincoln’s hometown to learn history in ways only available at our museum.
Our new Ambassador Program is an easy way for you to share the museum with your family, friends, and customers.
As an Ambassador, you can purchase discounted museum tickets that allow you to share free admission for visitors who are important to you, your work, or your business. The program is easy and affordable, with no hassle for your guests.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of becoming an Ambassador for the ALPLM.
TO SECURE YOUR AMBASSADOR TICKETS TODAY, CALL (217) 558-8844 OR STOP BY THE ALPLM AND SPEAK WITH ANY OF OUR GUEST EXPERIENCE TEAM MEMBERS.
TO SEE OUR COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT THE EVENTS PAGE AT PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov
Opening Day for our new Home in Illinois Exhibit Approaches… Celebrating Women’s History Month… and a Special “Abe for All” Event Highlight March Happenings at the ALPLM!
Home is more than a structure. It’s a feeling of belonging and finding a sense of self and community. Whether by immigration, migration, or residency, Illinoisans from Cahokia to Lincoln into the present-day have experienced and imagined home in different ways. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum invites visitors to explore stories of home in a new exhibit, Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois, and opening day on Thursday, March 23 is fast approaching! Representing diverse experiences across the prairie state, this exhibit will inspire visitors to connect through artifacts, videos, and interactive features with how people have imagined, created, and found home in Illinois.
TEAM LINCOLN members will have an opportunity to tour this new exhibit before opening day! You could be a part of the sneak peak, too, by becoming a member today.
Join the women of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in celebrating Women’s History Month, as they share the stories behind their favorite items in our collections during a special edition of “Tales from the Vault.”
- ALPLM Director of Library Services Lisa Horsley will examine a letter that Mary Lincoln wrote to Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby dated June 11, 1865. Oglesby and other state officials were still pressuring Mary to have the President buried in the center of Springfield since they knew that people would travel from far and wide to pay their respects. Mary however wanted to honor the wishes of her departed husband who had told her before going to Washington that Oak Ridge Cemetery was the type of place that he wished to spend eternity. It’s a remarkable letter in that Mary is standing up to very powerful people to see her husband’s wishes fulfilled.
- ALPLM Registrar Carla Smith offers a look at Eliza Flowers veil, which has a personal connection to Carla’s ancestry and a hand fan with a bit of a mystery that was solved.
- ALPLM AV Librarian Megan Klintworth will share a small collection from a woman who worked at the Luminous Processes Inc./Radium Dial Company in Ottawa, Illinois, and an Elizabeth Todd Edwards daguerreotype to tell the story of her sister bond and helping Mary Lincoln during the time of Mary’s insanity trail.
- ALPLM Manuscripts Librarian Michelle Miller will feature the poetry volume of Jane Johnston Schoolcraft from the early 19th Jane was an Ojibwe writer and poet (one of the earliest known Native poets in the United States) from Michigan, who wrote poetry about nature, religion, and the joys and struggles of life and family.
This will be a “hybrid” event with the opportunity to attend in-person or virtually. The program will take place in our library’s multi-purpose room on Thursday, March 2 at 12pm. The event is free; reservations are not required.
To watch virtually via Facebook Live, please go to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Facebook page. Open the page at the appointed time and scroll to the post highlighting the live event. Once you’re there, simply click on the image and watch the live video stream.
Tales from the Vault is a quarterly collaboration between the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Museum.
Fingerprints, snowflakes, you! What do all of these have in common? They are all “Delightfully Different!” Join the ALPLM's Education Team on Tuesday, March 28 at 10:00 am in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library as we share books and activities that highlight and celebrate quirks, all types of abilities, and the wonderful ways we are all unique.
This is a free program, but advance registration is required.
Can't attend in-person? Check out the virtual version on Thursday, March 23.
By the way, there’s still room for you and the kiddos to be a part of our February story time on the 28th – just register here!
For nearly two decades, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has proudly stood as the must-see attraction for visitors of central Illinois. Millions of guests have made the trip to Mr. Lincoln’s hometown to learn history in ways only available at our museum.
Our new Ambassador Program is an easy way for you to share the museum with your family, friends, and customers.
As an Ambassador, you can purchase discounted museum tickets that allow you to share free admission for visitors who are important to you, your work, or your business. The program is easy and affordable, with no hassle for your guests.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of becoming an Ambassador for the ALPLM.
TO SECURE YOUR AMBASSADOR TICKETS TODAY, CALL (217) 558-8844 OR STOP BY THE ALPLM AND SPEAK WITH ANY OF OUR GUEST EXPERIENCE TEAM MEMBERS.
TO SEE OUR COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT THE EVENTS PAGE AT PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov
United States Institute of Peace
Peace Teachers Program
On behalf of the United States Institute of Peace I would like to share with you an opportunity for any fellow teachers in your network that have demonstrated interest and commitment to educating young people about international peace and conflict resolution.
Our Peace Teachers Program is a virtual professional development opportunity for middle and high school teachers in the United States. For the 2023 program, it will select a cohort of up to 25 teachers from across the United States to receive education, resources, and support to strengthen their teaching of international conflict and the possibilities of peace. The dates run from July 2023-January 2024 with an application deadline of April 1st. More information can be found on our website here: www.usip.org/peace-teachers-program
Please reach out to Megan Chabalowski at mchabalowski@usip.org if you have any questions or would like further details.
Joyana Richer
Administrative Assistant, Public Education
United States Institute of Peace
Making Peace Possible
Tel 202-429-7855
USIP.org | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletters
Peace Teachers Program
On behalf of the United States Institute of Peace I would like to share with you an opportunity for any fellow teachers in your network that have demonstrated interest and commitment to educating young people about international peace and conflict resolution.
Our Peace Teachers Program is a virtual professional development opportunity for middle and high school teachers in the United States. For the 2023 program, it will select a cohort of up to 25 teachers from across the United States to receive education, resources, and support to strengthen their teaching of international conflict and the possibilities of peace. The dates run from July 2023-January 2024 with an application deadline of April 1st. More information can be found on our website here: www.usip.org/peace-teachers-program
Please reach out to Megan Chabalowski at mchabalowski@usip.org if you have any questions or would like further details.
Joyana Richer
Administrative Assistant, Public Education
United States Institute of Peace
Making Peace Possible
Tel 202-429-7855
USIP.org | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletters
AP® Summer Institute
As a service to the state of Illinois and in alignment with its mission, the University of Illinois System is hosting two Advanced Placement Summer Institutes at no charge for qualifying teachers/school districts. Those school districts with AP Exam Participation of less than 20 percent will qualify for this amazing opportunity to not only be trained as an AP teacher, but also earn 30 hours of professional development for full participation.
The AP® Summer Institute will be held in two locations in the summer of 2023:
To register, please use College Board’s CVENT system, and use the following links provided. To register for the Springfield APSI event (6/26-6/30) use: https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/gnME0G. To register for the Urbana-Champaign APSI event (7/10-7/14) use: https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/lEGZQN. The CVENT system has lots of information for review including the profile of the consultants, description of the courses, sample schedule, and FAQ’s.
Please do not hesitate to reach out at UIllinoisAPSI@uillinois.edu for any questions that might arise.
For additional Information/Resources, please visit the Website, News Story, and Handout.
As a service to the state of Illinois and in alignment with its mission, the University of Illinois System is hosting two Advanced Placement Summer Institutes at no charge for qualifying teachers/school districts. Those school districts with AP Exam Participation of less than 20 percent will qualify for this amazing opportunity to not only be trained as an AP teacher, but also earn 30 hours of professional development for full participation.
The AP® Summer Institute will be held in two locations in the summer of 2023:
- University of Illinois Springfield (Springfield, IL) on June 26-30
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Urbana, IL) on July 10-14
- AP U.S. History
- AP American Government
- AP English Composition and Languages
- AP English Composition and Literature
To register, please use College Board’s CVENT system, and use the following links provided. To register for the Springfield APSI event (6/26-6/30) use: https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/gnME0G. To register for the Urbana-Champaign APSI event (7/10-7/14) use: https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/lEGZQN. The CVENT system has lots of information for review including the profile of the consultants, description of the courses, sample schedule, and FAQ’s.
Please do not hesitate to reach out at UIllinoisAPSI@uillinois.edu for any questions that might arise.
For additional Information/Resources, please visit the Website, News Story, and Handout.
| apsi_2023_handout.pdf |
From Gilder Lehrman - History School Returns This Summer
Are you a…
Student looking for test prep, academic growth, and a certificate for your college application?
Teacher looking for a summer assignment to boost the historical knowledge of your incoming students?
History School is back for another fun summer of learning! We are offering two free AP prep courses for high school students (grades 9–12). Each course consists of 6 one-hour-long classes held weekly via Zoom. See the course descriptions below.
Register for AP US HistoryRegister for AP Gov & PoliticsStudents must log in or create a free Gilder Lehrman K–12 Student account before registering for a History School course.
Teachers: Share this link with your students to register for History School.
Visit this page to learn more about History School
Explore Additional Student Resources
AP US History Study GuideThe Gilder Lehrman Institute's AP US History Study Guide offers everything you need to succeed on the AP US History test, including:
History U Courses for High School Students
The Gilder Lehrman Institute’s History U offers free, self-paced courses in American history to high school students. These courses, led by the nation’s top historians, are drawn from our MA in American History program and allow you to study history at your own pace.
Each History U course includes
Help us find the 2023 National History Teacher of the YearThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking nominations for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year. Each year we recognize first-rate K–12 teachers—from rural and urban districts, public and independent schools—who find creative ways to bring history to life in their classrooms.
The deadline for 2023 nominations is April 30, 2023. Learn more and nominate a teacher here.
Are you a…
Student looking for test prep, academic growth, and a certificate for your college application?
Teacher looking for a summer assignment to boost the historical knowledge of your incoming students?
History School is back for another fun summer of learning! We are offering two free AP prep courses for high school students (grades 9–12). Each course consists of 6 one-hour-long classes held weekly via Zoom. See the course descriptions below.
Register for AP US HistoryRegister for AP Gov & PoliticsStudents must log in or create a free Gilder Lehrman K–12 Student account before registering for a History School course.
Teachers: Share this link with your students to register for History School.
Visit this page to learn more about History School
Explore Additional Student Resources
AP US History Study GuideThe Gilder Lehrman Institute's AP US History Study Guide offers everything you need to succeed on the AP US History test, including:
- Custom videos for each of the College Board’s nine AP historical periods, with links to essays and other resources for further study
- Interactive features such as historical timelines
- Essays and videos by renowned historians that illuminate historical periods and key concepts
- Featured primary sources relating to each period from the Gilder Lehrman Collection
History U Courses for High School Students
The Gilder Lehrman Institute’s History U offers free, self-paced courses in American history to high school students. These courses, led by the nation’s top historians, are drawn from our MA in American History program and allow you to study history at your own pace.
Each History U course includes
- Video lectures by an acclaimed historian
- Primary sources and in-depth readings
- Short quizzes to review your knowledge
- A certificate of completion for the course
- The American West led by Elliott West (University of Arkansas)
- Capitalism in American History led by David Sicilia (University of Maryland)
- Women and Politics in Twentieth-Century America led by Linda Gordon (New York University)
Help us find the 2023 National History Teacher of the YearThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking nominations for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year. Each year we recognize first-rate K–12 teachers—from rural and urban districts, public and independent schools—who find creative ways to bring history to life in their classrooms.
The deadline for 2023 nominations is April 30, 2023. Learn more and nominate a teacher here.
National Center for State Courts Annual Civics Education Essay Contest
Each year, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) invites elementary, middle, and high school students from around the country to enter our civics education essay contest. The contest is designed to promote civics education and deepen students’ understanding of U.S. government.
The success of the contest would not be possible without your assistance. We rely on educators, non-profit organizations, court partners and others to help us spread the word.
We’re excited to open this year’s contest on Wednesday, February 22. Visit ncsc.org/contest to discover this year’s essay questions/prompts, entry guidelines, promotional materials and more!
Essays will be accepted online through midnight ET, Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Winners will be announced on May 1.
Please contact Molly Justice for additional information.
Each year, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) invites elementary, middle, and high school students from around the country to enter our civics education essay contest. The contest is designed to promote civics education and deepen students’ understanding of U.S. government.
The success of the contest would not be possible without your assistance. We rely on educators, non-profit organizations, court partners and others to help us spread the word.
We’re excited to open this year’s contest on Wednesday, February 22. Visit ncsc.org/contest to discover this year’s essay questions/prompts, entry guidelines, promotional materials and more!
Essays will be accepted online through midnight ET, Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Winners will be announced on May 1.
Please contact Molly Justice for additional information.
NCSS Annual Conference Call for Proposals is open
National Council for the Social Studies invites you to submit a proposal to present at the 103rd NCSS Annual Conference to be held Dec. 1 to 3 in Nashville, Tenn. This year's deadline is Feb. 27. Download the proposal call and submit a proposal.
National Council for the Social Studies invites you to submit a proposal to present at the 103rd NCSS Annual Conference to be held Dec. 1 to 3 in Nashville, Tenn. This year's deadline is Feb. 27. Download the proposal call and submit a proposal.
SUMMER INSTITUTE
Teaching About the Holocaust | July 17-21
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, IL
During this intensive, five-day seminar, participants will become familiar with content area, literacy-based teaching methods, and resources to teach Holocaust history to their students. The course will include primary source readings, use of historical documents, multimedia presentations, guest speakers, and will draw interdisciplinary connections that align with state and national standards.
Educators will return to their classrooms equipped with deeper knowledge of the Holocaust and rich pedagogical resources. The program will enable them to investigate with their students the ramifications of prejudice, racism, and indifference, and the role of the individual in nurturing and protecting democratic values and human rights. LEARN MORE>>
WHAT TO EXPECT
Full or partial financial assistance for tuition will be available for teachers with demonstrated need. Click here for application. (Please apply for the program before completing the financial assistance application.)
FEATURED PRESENTERS:
Marion Kaplan, Skirball Professor of Modern Jewish History at New York University
Session: The Social Death of German Jews
Kierra Crago-Schneider, Campus Outreach Program Officer at U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Session: Jewish Holocaust Survivors and American Forces in Postwar Germany
Ethel Brooks, Associate Professor in the Departments of Women’s and Gender Studies and Sociology at Rutgers University
Session: Roma Genocide
Edward Westermann, Regents Professor of History at Texas A&M
University-San Antonio
Session: German Policemen and the Holocaust
Daniel Greene, President and Librarian of the Newberry Library; Curator of Americans and the Holocaust exhibition at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Session: Americans and the Holocaust
Teaching About the Holocaust | July 17-21
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, IL
During this intensive, five-day seminar, participants will become familiar with content area, literacy-based teaching methods, and resources to teach Holocaust history to their students. The course will include primary source readings, use of historical documents, multimedia presentations, guest speakers, and will draw interdisciplinary connections that align with state and national standards.
Educators will return to their classrooms equipped with deeper knowledge of the Holocaust and rich pedagogical resources. The program will enable them to investigate with their students the ramifications of prejudice, racism, and indifference, and the role of the individual in nurturing and protecting democratic values and human rights. LEARN MORE>>
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Classroom Resources and Materials
- 30 Clock Hours (CPDUs)
- Graduate Credit Available through National Louis University (at an additional cost)
- 2 Lane Credits
- Breakfast and Lunch
Full or partial financial assistance for tuition will be available for teachers with demonstrated need. Click here for application. (Please apply for the program before completing the financial assistance application.)
FEATURED PRESENTERS:
Marion Kaplan, Skirball Professor of Modern Jewish History at New York University
Session: The Social Death of German Jews
Kierra Crago-Schneider, Campus Outreach Program Officer at U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Session: Jewish Holocaust Survivors and American Forces in Postwar Germany
Ethel Brooks, Associate Professor in the Departments of Women’s and Gender Studies and Sociology at Rutgers University
Session: Roma Genocide
Edward Westermann, Regents Professor of History at Texas A&M
University-San Antonio
Session: German Policemen and the Holocaust
Daniel Greene, President and Librarian of the Newberry Library; Curator of Americans and the Holocaust exhibition at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Session: Americans and the Holocaust
The 1787 Prize
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is pleased to announce The 1787 Prize, an annual essay contest for high school students in grades 11-12 introduced on the observance of the 2022 Constitution Day.
About the 1787 Prize
“The consent of the governed” is a foundational principle upon which our nation’s government is built. Indeed, the “just powers” of our 1787 Constitution were directly legitimized by ratification of the people in pathbreaking citizen conventions. Today, the freedoms we hold dear are embodied in rules and laws we democratically have a voice in crafting.
The 1787 Prize brings those citizen voices back to center stage. It recognizes the best annual student essay on the subject of the U.S. Constitution’s past, present and future relevance by exploring how our written principles align with this vision of citizen engagement.
Eligibility
The 1787 Prize is open to all high school students in grades 11-12. An essay may be submitted with up to three (3) student co-authors. There is a maximum of one (1) submission per high school.
Essay requirements are:
Between 1,000 - 2,500 words
Includes a footnote and bibliography
Incorporates a mix of primary and secondary sources
Award
For the inaugural prize year, two (2) awards will be announced in the amount of $2,500 each. The $2,500 prize amount will be split among any co-authors.
Timeline
September 17, 2022: The 1787 Prize launch is announced.
March 31, 2023: Essays are due to NCSS by 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time.
April-May 2023: The 1787 Prize Selection Committee reviews all essays.
June 1, 2023: The 1787 Prize winner is announced.
2022-2023 Essay Topic
The Founding Fathers underestimated the dominant role that political parties and groups would play in governance, and this oversight has repercussions. For example, Congress is allowed to oversee the trial of the impeachment process, which means that the President would be judged by loyal members of the same party. If the Founding Fathers had anticipated such power, they might never have put Congress in charge.
Imagine it is 1787. Consider the many negotiations and compromises that occurred during the Constitutional Convention. What changes to the original Constitution would you recommend in order to decrease the power of political parties and groups? Or, should the power of these parties and groups be strengthened? How would this modified Constitution impact present-day political power and processes?
Questions?
Please email awards@ncss.org for any questions about this award, eligibility, timeline, and selection process.
Call for The 1787 Prize Selection CommitteeAre you a high school social studies educator and NCSS member? If so, we invite you to serve on The 1787 Prize Selection Committee! Reviewers will convene for a general orientation session to discuss the scoring criteria and rubric. Reviewers will be given approximately 4-5 weeks to score all assigned essays, and may be divided into scoring teams based on the number of essays received. To apply to be a reviewer, please complete this link. All applicants will be contacted by March 15, 2023.
Submit an Essay for The 1787 Prize
Apply for The 1787 Prize Selection Committee
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is pleased to announce The 1787 Prize, an annual essay contest for high school students in grades 11-12 introduced on the observance of the 2022 Constitution Day.
About the 1787 Prize
“The consent of the governed” is a foundational principle upon which our nation’s government is built. Indeed, the “just powers” of our 1787 Constitution were directly legitimized by ratification of the people in pathbreaking citizen conventions. Today, the freedoms we hold dear are embodied in rules and laws we democratically have a voice in crafting.
The 1787 Prize brings those citizen voices back to center stage. It recognizes the best annual student essay on the subject of the U.S. Constitution’s past, present and future relevance by exploring how our written principles align with this vision of citizen engagement.
Eligibility
The 1787 Prize is open to all high school students in grades 11-12. An essay may be submitted with up to three (3) student co-authors. There is a maximum of one (1) submission per high school.
Essay requirements are:
Between 1,000 - 2,500 words
Includes a footnote and bibliography
Incorporates a mix of primary and secondary sources
Award
For the inaugural prize year, two (2) awards will be announced in the amount of $2,500 each. The $2,500 prize amount will be split among any co-authors.
Timeline
September 17, 2022: The 1787 Prize launch is announced.
March 31, 2023: Essays are due to NCSS by 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time.
April-May 2023: The 1787 Prize Selection Committee reviews all essays.
June 1, 2023: The 1787 Prize winner is announced.
2022-2023 Essay Topic
The Founding Fathers underestimated the dominant role that political parties and groups would play in governance, and this oversight has repercussions. For example, Congress is allowed to oversee the trial of the impeachment process, which means that the President would be judged by loyal members of the same party. If the Founding Fathers had anticipated such power, they might never have put Congress in charge.
Imagine it is 1787. Consider the many negotiations and compromises that occurred during the Constitutional Convention. What changes to the original Constitution would you recommend in order to decrease the power of political parties and groups? Or, should the power of these parties and groups be strengthened? How would this modified Constitution impact present-day political power and processes?
Questions?
Please email awards@ncss.org for any questions about this award, eligibility, timeline, and selection process.
Call for The 1787 Prize Selection CommitteeAre you a high school social studies educator and NCSS member? If so, we invite you to serve on The 1787 Prize Selection Committee! Reviewers will convene for a general orientation session to discuss the scoring criteria and rubric. Reviewers will be given approximately 4-5 weeks to score all assigned essays, and may be divided into scoring teams based on the number of essays received. To apply to be a reviewer, please complete this link. All applicants will be contacted by March 15, 2023.
Submit an Essay for The 1787 Prize
Apply for The 1787 Prize Selection Committee
Bring free Hamilton Education Program resources to your school
We’re thrilled to invite you to access the Hamilton Education Program Online, an easily adaptable, 100% free resource that allows K-12 students to explore the world of Hamilton and America’s Founding Era.
The program features a wealth of materials, including information about more than 45 Founding Era figures, 14 events, and 24 key documents, as well as 175 supporting documents and video clips from Hamilton.
This free program is open to all K-12 educators, home schoolers, and parents. Visit this page to learn more and register!
Sign up for the Hamilton Education Program Online
Want to learn more about what you can find on the Hamilton Education Program website? Visit our News page to read "In the Room Where It Happens: 5 Easy Steps to Working with the EduHam Online Website."
We’re thrilled to invite you to access the Hamilton Education Program Online, an easily adaptable, 100% free resource that allows K-12 students to explore the world of Hamilton and America’s Founding Era.
The program features a wealth of materials, including information about more than 45 Founding Era figures, 14 events, and 24 key documents, as well as 175 supporting documents and video clips from Hamilton.
This free program is open to all K-12 educators, home schoolers, and parents. Visit this page to learn more and register!
Sign up for the Hamilton Education Program Online
Want to learn more about what you can find on the Hamilton Education Program website? Visit our News page to read "In the Room Where It Happens: 5 Easy Steps to Working with the EduHam Online Website."
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking nominations for the
2023 National History Teacher of the Year.
Each year we recognize first-rate K–12 teachers—from rural and urban districts, public and independent schools—who find creative ways to bring history to life in their classrooms. Winners are selected from each state and US territory, and become finalists for the national award.
State History Teachers of the Year receive
The deadline for 2023 nominations is April 30, 2023. Learn more and nominate a teacher at gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy.
2023 National History Teacher of the Year.
Each year we recognize first-rate K–12 teachers—from rural and urban districts, public and independent schools—who find creative ways to bring history to life in their classrooms. Winners are selected from each state and US territory, and become finalists for the national award.
State History Teachers of the Year receive
- $1,000
- Recognition at a ceremony in their state
- Free entry to the Gilder Lehrman Teacher Symposium
- Free classroom materials
The deadline for 2023 nominations is April 30, 2023. Learn more and nominate a teacher at gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is pleased to announce the publication of the newest issue of History Now: “Asian American Immigration and US Policy.” A landmark moment for History Now, this is the sixty-fifth issue, and the first one to be devoted entirely to Asian American history.
This issue charts the changes in US immigration policy, and the shifts in world politics, that led to an increase in the number of Asian immigrants, who would contribute in countless ways to American life and culture. The following four original essays are featured in the issue:
Read “Asian American Immigration and US Policy”K–12 educators and students in the Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School Program can read all issues of History Now for free.
Simply go to the History Now homepage and log in. If you are not in our Affiliate School Program, visit this page to create a free account.
We invite everyone else to subscribe to History Now here. You will receive instant access to our new issue and the complete History Now archive!
This issue charts the changes in US immigration policy, and the shifts in world politics, that led to an increase in the number of Asian immigrants, who would contribute in countless ways to American life and culture. The following four original essays are featured in the issue:
- “The Repeal of Asian Exclusion” by Jane Hong, Associate Professor of History, Occidental College
- “The Good Immigrants: How the Yellow Peril Became the Model Minority” by Madeline Y. Hsu, Professor of History and Asian American Studies, University of Texas at Austin
- “I파도와 메아리: Waves and Echoes of Korean Migration to the United States” by Kira Donnell (Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning, San Francisco State University), Soojin Jeong (PhD Candidate in East Asian Studies, University of California Irvine), and Grace J. Yoo (Professor of Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University)
- “Indians in the United States: Movements and Empire” by Sherally K. Munshi, Professor of Law, Georgetown Law
Read “Asian American Immigration and US Policy”K–12 educators and students in the Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School Program can read all issues of History Now for free.
Simply go to the History Now homepage and log in. If you are not in our Affiliate School Program, visit this page to create a free account.
We invite everyone else to subscribe to History Now here. You will receive instant access to our new issue and the complete History Now archive!
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD: FRITZIE'S PROMISE
Fritzie’s Promise is a legacy award presented by Illinois Holocaust Museum to recognize students who embody Fritzie Fritzshall’s indomitable spirit.
Teachers/educators, club/activity directors, and coaches are invited to nominate students in grades 7-12 in accredited Illinois schools for this award, which recognizes a student who, like Fritzie Fritzshall, demonstrates courage, tenacity, and leadership in their school and community.
Nominations are due by 5:00 pm (CT) on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Submit Nomination
Winners will be notified in early April and honored at an award ceremony at Illinois Holocaust Museum on April 16, 2023.
Fritzie’s Promise is a legacy award presented by Illinois Holocaust Museum to recognize students who embody Fritzie Fritzshall’s indomitable spirit.
Teachers/educators, club/activity directors, and coaches are invited to nominate students in grades 7-12 in accredited Illinois schools for this award, which recognizes a student who, like Fritzie Fritzshall, demonstrates courage, tenacity, and leadership in their school and community.
Nominations are due by 5:00 pm (CT) on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Submit Nomination
Winners will be notified in early April and honored at an award ceremony at Illinois Holocaust Museum on April 16, 2023.
Travel Grant for Illinois Teachers
GEEO, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to helping educators travel internationally to learn about the world and recharge their teaching batteries, is partnering with the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to provide travel grants to Illinois-based educators for this upcoming summer. Recipients of the grant will receive a $1,000 credit from UIUC towards the cost of their program fee for the following programs:
Grant applicants must:
To apply, educators may complete an application here. The deadline for the application is Friday, January 13th - note that applications may be submitted following this date, but at that point, the application will be open to residents outside of Illinois.
Note that all other program costs, including international airfare, are the responsibility of the grant recipient.
GEEO is also partnering with the African Studies Center at Boston University to provide travel grants to educators for this upcoming summer. Recipients of the grant will receive a $1,000 credit from Boston University towards the cost of their program fee for our summer Tanzania trip.
To apply, educators may complete an application here. Note that there is no application deadline as grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, but the sooner a teacher applies, the better their chances are of receiving a grant. All other program costs, including international airfare, are the responsibility of the grant recipient.
If you have any questions contact:
Christina Gjelsten Communications Coordinator
GEEO Teacher Travel Programs
847-445-1496
www.GEEO.org
christina@geeo.org
700 E. Main St., Suite 100, Norristown, PA 19401
GEEO, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to helping educators travel internationally to learn about the world and recharge their teaching batteries, is partnering with the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to provide travel grants to Illinois-based educators for this upcoming summer. Recipients of the grant will receive a $1,000 credit from UIUC towards the cost of their program fee for the following programs:
- Morocco 6/16/2023
- Jordan 6/18/2023
- Turkey 6/25/2023
- Egypt 6/25/2023
- Heart of the Silk Road (Central Asia) 7/8/2023
- Moorish Spain 7/15/2023
- Egypt 7/16/2023
- Morocco 7/28/2023
Grant applicants must:
- Teach in Illinois for the academic year 2022-2023
- Demonstrate a commitment to teaching about their travel experience in the next academic year
- Create 1 lesson plan after the trip by the end of the fall 2023 semester
- Participate in an online pre-departure orientation
To apply, educators may complete an application here. The deadline for the application is Friday, January 13th - note that applications may be submitted following this date, but at that point, the application will be open to residents outside of Illinois.
Note that all other program costs, including international airfare, are the responsibility of the grant recipient.
GEEO is also partnering with the African Studies Center at Boston University to provide travel grants to educators for this upcoming summer. Recipients of the grant will receive a $1,000 credit from Boston University towards the cost of their program fee for our summer Tanzania trip.
To apply, educators may complete an application here. Note that there is no application deadline as grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, but the sooner a teacher applies, the better their chances are of receiving a grant. All other program costs, including international airfare, are the responsibility of the grant recipient.
If you have any questions contact:
Christina Gjelsten Communications Coordinator
GEEO Teacher Travel Programs
847-445-1496
www.GEEO.org
christina@geeo.org
700 E. Main St., Suite 100, Norristown, PA 19401
Free Asian American History Unit from Educurious
This unit facilitates deeper, more transferable learning by engaging students in authentic projects designed to build core content knowledge while developing contemporary skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. The unit has been developed in partnership with the Institute for Science and Mathematics Education at the University of Washington.
The free, open-education resource (OER) unit titled 'Kể Chuyện- Vietnamese American Experiences' was released last year and is available for free on the Educurious website: https://educurious.org/courses/ke-chuyen-vietnamese-american-experiences/ for teachers, schools, or districts who are searching for a ready made, and very cool unit around AAPI American History.
This unit facilitates deeper, more transferable learning by engaging students in authentic projects designed to build core content knowledge while developing contemporary skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. The unit has been developed in partnership with the Institute for Science and Mathematics Education at the University of Washington.
The free, open-education resource (OER) unit titled 'Kể Chuyện- Vietnamese American Experiences' was released last year and is available for free on the Educurious website: https://educurious.org/courses/ke-chuyen-vietnamese-american-experiences/ for teachers, schools, or districts who are searching for a ready made, and very cool unit around AAPI American History.
Driving Force Institute (DFI) - Why History Matters: American History Teachers Speak Out
Driving Force Institute (DFI), a non-profit dedicated to engaging students in learning American history, has just announced our newest venture: spotlighting the voices of teachers in a new book, Why History Matters: American History Teachers Speak Out. We are seeking social studies and American history teachers who would like to share their stories in their own words. We are interested in original submissions of up to 1,000 words and will award $500 to each author selected for inclusion in the book. Submission and topic information is available here: https://drivingforceinstitute.org/f/teachers-in-your-own-words-tell-us-why-history-matters.
DFI works with thousands of educators and reaches millions of K-12 students with its award-winning short-form video initiative “Untold History,” developed in partnership with The New York Historical Society, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, iCivics, White House Historical Association, and American Battlefield Trust. In our work with educators, we are regularly struck by the passion social studies and history teachers bring to their work and the enthusiasm their students show. We decided to provide a platform for teachers to share their unique stories that can inspire others and show what can be accomplished when we allow teachers to teach. We intend to release the book at the end of 2022 and will be promoting it and the authors to media in their communities and nationally.
Jessica Schwartz Hahn
Driving Force Institute for Public Engagement
571-239-3260
jessica@drivingforceinstitute.org | https://www.drivingforceinstitute.org
Driving Force Institute (DFI), a non-profit dedicated to engaging students in learning American history, has just announced our newest venture: spotlighting the voices of teachers in a new book, Why History Matters: American History Teachers Speak Out. We are seeking social studies and American history teachers who would like to share their stories in their own words. We are interested in original submissions of up to 1,000 words and will award $500 to each author selected for inclusion in the book. Submission and topic information is available here: https://drivingforceinstitute.org/f/teachers-in-your-own-words-tell-us-why-history-matters.
DFI works with thousands of educators and reaches millions of K-12 students with its award-winning short-form video initiative “Untold History,” developed in partnership with The New York Historical Society, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, iCivics, White House Historical Association, and American Battlefield Trust. In our work with educators, we are regularly struck by the passion social studies and history teachers bring to their work and the enthusiasm their students show. We decided to provide a platform for teachers to share their unique stories that can inspire others and show what can be accomplished when we allow teachers to teach. We intend to release the book at the end of 2022 and will be promoting it and the authors to media in their communities and nationally.
Jessica Schwartz Hahn
Driving Force Institute for Public Engagement
571-239-3260
jessica@drivingforceinstitute.org | https://www.drivingforceinstitute.org
As the state affiliate of the National History Day program, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum oversees the Illinois History Day competitions across the state each year. Seeking to cultivate the growth and development of young historians, while also inspiring a love of history, Illinois History Day encourages students to choose a topic related to National History Day’s annual theme, conduct research on the topic, and present their findings in one of five categories: Research Paper, Exhibit, Documentary, Performance, or Website.
Illinois students compete in two divisions, Junior (6th-8th grade) and Senior (9th -12th), across four regions -- Northern, Central, Southern, and Chicago Metro. Within each of these regions, students participate in local and regional competitions to determine who will advance to the state competition held in Springfield each spring. Students who rank highest at the state competition advance to the National History Day competition at the University of Maryland. At the national competition, Illinois students compete against students from 57 other affiliate National History Day states or regions.
To stay up to date on this program please keep an eye on the Illinois History Day page and feel free to email the Affiliate Coordinator at ALPLM.Education@Illinois.gov.
Illinois students compete in two divisions, Junior (6th-8th grade) and Senior (9th -12th), across four regions -- Northern, Central, Southern, and Chicago Metro. Within each of these regions, students participate in local and regional competitions to determine who will advance to the state competition held in Springfield each spring. Students who rank highest at the state competition advance to the National History Day competition at the University of Maryland. At the national competition, Illinois students compete against students from 57 other affiliate National History Day states or regions.
To stay up to date on this program please keep an eye on the Illinois History Day page and feel free to email the Affiliate Coordinator at ALPLM.Education@Illinois.gov.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site offers a variety of classroom resources for teachers, including distance learning opportunities. For more information about education programs, email liho_education@nps.gov or call 217-391-3251.
Listen to the C-SPAN in the Classroom Podcast!
- Podcasts- Visit this page to access each episode of our bi-weekly podcast: C-SPAN in the Classroom! This site also includes each of the C-SPAN Classroom resources featured in each episode. Additionally, this page features a 12-episode student-centered podcast series from the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement at Purdue University.
A common misconception about C-SPAN programming is that we only feature coverage of the U.S. House and Senate. While we are certainly known for our gavel-to-gavel coverage of Congress when they are in session, this year marks the 10th anniversary of our American History TV programming that airs each weekend on C-SPAN3.
This summer our three Teacher Fellows mined our archive of history programming to create and organize Bell Ringers and other resources that relate specifically to state history, showcasing historical events for all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The content is organized alphabetically by state on our new State History Resources page.
Want your students to view our Lessons and Bell Ringers at home or on their individual devices? Consider creating a generic account for your classes to use, or use the following log-in:
Username: students
Password: C-SPANCLASSROOM
For resources from all 50 states, visit our State History Resources page, but below is a sampling of some of our state-specific resources:
This summer our three Teacher Fellows mined our archive of history programming to create and organize Bell Ringers and other resources that relate specifically to state history, showcasing historical events for all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The content is organized alphabetically by state on our new State History Resources page.
Want your students to view our Lessons and Bell Ringers at home or on their individual devices? Consider creating a generic account for your classes to use, or use the following log-in:
Username: students
Password: C-SPANCLASSROOM
For resources from all 50 states, visit our State History Resources page, but below is a sampling of some of our state-specific resources:
- Bell Ringer: Settlement of the Ozarks (2 Clips)
- Bell Ringer: Coloradan Native Americans in the Paleolithic Period (4:23)
- Bell Ringer: The History of Illinois Waterways (2 Clips)
- Bell Ringer: The Emergence of Jazz in New Orleans (4:15)
- Bell Ringer: The Automotive Industry in Detroit (2:46)
- Bell Ringer: American West: Boundaries and Borderlands (17:20)
- Bell Ringer: The Reclamation Act and the Huntley Irrigation Project (3:48)
- Bell Ringer: Vermont and the Formation of the Green Mountain Boys (3:16)
- Bell Ringer: Freedom Summer School in Mississippi (4:57)
- Bell Ringer: The Erie Canal (4:40)
- Bell Ringer: Tobacco and the Growth of Winston-Salem (6:54)
- Bell Ringer: The French and Indian War and Pontiac's War (3:37)
- Bell Ringer: The Nation's Capital and the Compromise of 1790 (3:40)
- Bell Ringer: Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico (7:28)
We need your help to turn our collection of handwritten correspondence between anti-slavery activists in the 19th century into texts that can be more easily read and researched by students, teachers, historians, and big data applications. In this project, we’re asking our volunteers to help transcribe Boston Public Library’s extensive collection of handwritten correspondence between anti-slavery activists in the 19th century into texts that can be more easily read and researched by students, teachers, historians, and big data applications.
Get involved right now at www.antislaverymanuscripts.org!
Get involved right now at www.antislaverymanuscripts.org!
New Transcription Project: Scribes of the Cairo Geniza
Scribes of the Cairo Geniza is an international collaboration led by the Penn Libraries in partnership with universities, libraries, and scholars to sort and transcribe thousands of medieval fragments. A geniza is a storeroom or repository for old, used, and damaged sacred texts in the Jewish tradition. The Cairo Geniza (whose contents mostly date from the 10th-13th centuries CE) is an important source for learning about the social, economic, political, and religious lives of Jews and other inhabitants of the Mediterranean world. Hidden for centuries in an attic in Cairo, over 300,000 fragments of pre-modern and medieval Jewish texts—from everyday receipts to biblical works—have yet to be fully deciphered. Scholars who study these texts come away with a transformed sense of the history of the region, and we hope you do too!
This is your chance to work with others to unlock the secrets of one of the greatest archives of the Middle Ages! In the first step of the project, volunteers sort fragments into Hebrew or Arabic script. In the second step, volunteers transcribe easy-to-read Hebrew and Arabic fragments. Zooniverse designed an interface that allows someone with no experience in these languages to transcribe fragments. Everyone can try their hand with the #genizascribes!
Help us transcribe these fragments from the Cairo Geniza at scribesofthecairogeniza.org. You can also join us on the Talk boards to ask questions, discuss what you’re seeing, and be a part of the community. Come learn the history of everyday lives of medieval Jews, Christians, and Muslims!
Scribes of the Cairo Geniza partners include the University of Pennsylvania Libraries, the Princeton Geniza Lab, the e-Lijah Lab and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research of the Cairo Genizah at the University of Haifa, the Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Genizah Research Unit at Cambridge University Library, The University of Manchester Library, the Bodleian Libraries at University of Oxford, and the Zooniverse community.
Scribes of the Cairo Geniza is an international collaboration led by the Penn Libraries in partnership with universities, libraries, and scholars to sort and transcribe thousands of medieval fragments. A geniza is a storeroom or repository for old, used, and damaged sacred texts in the Jewish tradition. The Cairo Geniza (whose contents mostly date from the 10th-13th centuries CE) is an important source for learning about the social, economic, political, and religious lives of Jews and other inhabitants of the Mediterranean world. Hidden for centuries in an attic in Cairo, over 300,000 fragments of pre-modern and medieval Jewish texts—from everyday receipts to biblical works—have yet to be fully deciphered. Scholars who study these texts come away with a transformed sense of the history of the region, and we hope you do too!
This is your chance to work with others to unlock the secrets of one of the greatest archives of the Middle Ages! In the first step of the project, volunteers sort fragments into Hebrew or Arabic script. In the second step, volunteers transcribe easy-to-read Hebrew and Arabic fragments. Zooniverse designed an interface that allows someone with no experience in these languages to transcribe fragments. Everyone can try their hand with the #genizascribes!
Help us transcribe these fragments from the Cairo Geniza at scribesofthecairogeniza.org. You can also join us on the Talk boards to ask questions, discuss what you’re seeing, and be a part of the community. Come learn the history of everyday lives of medieval Jews, Christians, and Muslims!
Scribes of the Cairo Geniza partners include the University of Pennsylvania Libraries, the Princeton Geniza Lab, the e-Lijah Lab and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research of the Cairo Genizah at the University of Haifa, the Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Genizah Research Unit at Cambridge University Library, The University of Manchester Library, the Bodleian Libraries at University of Oxford, and the Zooniverse community.
Big Questions Blog from ICSS member Dan Fouts.
This blog celebrates the power of Big Questions. Discover lucid examples of Big Questions and resources that inspire teachers & students.
Dan has been teaching high school in the Chicagoland area since 1993 using Big Questions in his AP Government, US history and philosophy classes.
https://socratesquestions.wordpress.com/
This blog celebrates the power of Big Questions. Discover lucid examples of Big Questions and resources that inspire teachers & students.
Dan has been teaching high school in the Chicagoland area since 1993 using Big Questions in his AP Government, US history and philosophy classes.
https://socratesquestions.wordpress.com/
Government and Guns Part I: Seize the Teaching Moment
from Socrates Questions blog by Dan Fouts
Sometimes Big Questions don’t direct learning; they emerge from it.
Lost in thought and feelings of despair over the latest tragedy in Florida, I decided to ditch my regularly scheduled government programming and opt instead to hold a congressional hearing simulation on gun control. My classroom will become the Senate Judiciary Committee considering a bill called the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bill passed the House of Representatives in the fall and is slated for debate in the Senate this spring. In a nutshell, the bill says that any person from a state which has legalized concealed carry can travel into any state which has outlawed the practice. Essentially then, should this bill become law, a person’s right to concealed carry would have to be honored by all 50 states. Students assume the roles of actual Senate Judiciary Committee members who question other students who are playing the role of interest group representatives giving testimony on their positions for and against the bill.
With this latest tragedy fresh in the minds of legislators, the chances of this bill passing the Senate are slim. Yet, this activity is a valuable chance to explore why it is so hard for our society to agree on gun issues. Also, this is a golden opportunity to dive deeper into how all aspects of our government work together to try to address problems.
Consider just some of the areas of government touched by this issue:
What about the Big Questions?
After the simulation is over, each student will generate a Big Question about the gun issue which emerged as a result of what they learned during the simulation. It’s hard to predict exactly what the students will want to ask but I’m confident the questions will lend fresh perspectives on an issue whose resolution is long overdue.
In the next post I will share some of their Big Questions!
If you try this activity out, let me know how it goes! @dmfouts
from Socrates Questions blog by Dan Fouts
from Socrates Questions blog by Dan Fouts
Sometimes Big Questions don’t direct learning; they emerge from it.
Lost in thought and feelings of despair over the latest tragedy in Florida, I decided to ditch my regularly scheduled government programming and opt instead to hold a congressional hearing simulation on gun control. My classroom will become the Senate Judiciary Committee considering a bill called the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bill passed the House of Representatives in the fall and is slated for debate in the Senate this spring. In a nutshell, the bill says that any person from a state which has legalized concealed carry can travel into any state which has outlawed the practice. Essentially then, should this bill become law, a person’s right to concealed carry would have to be honored by all 50 states. Students assume the roles of actual Senate Judiciary Committee members who question other students who are playing the role of interest group representatives giving testimony on their positions for and against the bill.
With this latest tragedy fresh in the minds of legislators, the chances of this bill passing the Senate are slim. Yet, this activity is a valuable chance to explore why it is so hard for our society to agree on gun issues. Also, this is a golden opportunity to dive deeper into how all aspects of our government work together to try to address problems.
Consider just some of the areas of government touched by this issue:
- Civil liberties (2nd Amendment)
- Supreme Court ( U.S. v. Heller and McDonald v. Chicago )
- Congress (bicameral legislature, filibuster, hearing, committees, mark-up)
- Political parties and ideology (liberal, conservative, polarization, single-issue voters, party discipline)
- Interest groups (information, advocacy, upper-class bias)
- Campaigns and Elections (Pacs and SuperPacs, Citizens United, FEC)
- Federalism (full-faith and credit clause, 10th Amendment, 14th Amendment selective incorporation)
- Presidency (informal/formal powers, executive orders)
What about the Big Questions?
After the simulation is over, each student will generate a Big Question about the gun issue which emerged as a result of what they learned during the simulation. It’s hard to predict exactly what the students will want to ask but I’m confident the questions will lend fresh perspectives on an issue whose resolution is long overdue.
In the next post I will share some of their Big Questions!
If you try this activity out, let me know how it goes! @dmfouts
from Socrates Questions blog by Dan Fouts
Book by ICSS Author
Vital Witnesses
Using Primary Sources in History and Social Studies
MARK NEWMAN
The use of primary sources as texts in the classroom is growing. Teachers realize these vital witnesses provide opportunities to motivate students and improve learning. They bring students closer to the people, places, and events being studied and help students improve content knowledge while building skills. Recent trends in standards, such as Common Core, and the increasing use of the Document-Based Questions also promote primary source use.
The strong push to use primary sources in teaching history and social studies creates a need among teachers for more information on what they are and how they can be used effectively in the classroom. Vital Witnesses meets this need by providing teachers with a comprehensive guide to primary sources and their use in the classroom. Primary sources are defined, and the various types are described. Classroom-tested activities and strategies are offered to teachers for addressing the needs of all learners and for accommodating Common Core standards and the C3 Framework for State Social Studies Standards.
Available from:
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 100 • Size: 6 x 9
978-1-4758-1053-0 • Paperback • September 2014 • $23.95
978-1-4758-1054-7 • eBook • September 2014 • $22.99
Vital Witnesses
Using Primary Sources in History and Social Studies
MARK NEWMAN
The use of primary sources as texts in the classroom is growing. Teachers realize these vital witnesses provide opportunities to motivate students and improve learning. They bring students closer to the people, places, and events being studied and help students improve content knowledge while building skills. Recent trends in standards, such as Common Core, and the increasing use of the Document-Based Questions also promote primary source use.
The strong push to use primary sources in teaching history and social studies creates a need among teachers for more information on what they are and how they can be used effectively in the classroom. Vital Witnesses meets this need by providing teachers with a comprehensive guide to primary sources and their use in the classroom. Primary sources are defined, and the various types are described. Classroom-tested activities and strategies are offered to teachers for addressing the needs of all learners and for accommodating Common Core standards and the C3 Framework for State Social Studies Standards.
Available from:
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 100 • Size: 6 x 9
978-1-4758-1053-0 • Paperback • September 2014 • $23.95
978-1-4758-1054-7 • eBook • September 2014 • $22.99
Illinois Mock Trial Teams
The Illinois Trial Team is a highly competitive collegiate mock trial team representing the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Having competed in the national collegiate mock trial tournament this past year, the team is composed of some of the top competitors in the collegiate mock trial circuit, and is coached by real attorneys and law school faculty alike. The team is currently in the process of developing a high school mock trial clinic aimed at giving Illinois competitors the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques which have led to our team’s success, including various tournament wins, attorney awards, and witness awards. This year, we plan on holding a reduced fee pilot program in preparation for a larger clinic next year. We are looking to receive feedback which will help shape our program, as well as gauge interest. If you are interested, please fill out the Google Form below. Any other questions regarding the program can be addressed to Vanessa Aceves at illinoistrialteam.vpe@gmail.com. Your feedback is much appreciated!
Link to feedback survey: https://goo.gl/forms/GmCzFrWqIHlV2Qt03
Jack Duffley
Illinois Trial Team | President
Katy Karayannis
Illinois State Bar Association | High School Mock Trial Invitational
Mock Trial Coordinator
The Illinois Trial Team is a highly competitive collegiate mock trial team representing the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Having competed in the national collegiate mock trial tournament this past year, the team is composed of some of the top competitors in the collegiate mock trial circuit, and is coached by real attorneys and law school faculty alike. The team is currently in the process of developing a high school mock trial clinic aimed at giving Illinois competitors the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques which have led to our team’s success, including various tournament wins, attorney awards, and witness awards. This year, we plan on holding a reduced fee pilot program in preparation for a larger clinic next year. We are looking to receive feedback which will help shape our program, as well as gauge interest. If you are interested, please fill out the Google Form below. Any other questions regarding the program can be addressed to Vanessa Aceves at illinoistrialteam.vpe@gmail.com. Your feedback is much appreciated!
Link to feedback survey: https://goo.gl/forms/GmCzFrWqIHlV2Qt03
Jack Duffley
Illinois Trial Team | President
Katy Karayannis
Illinois State Bar Association | High School Mock Trial Invitational
Mock Trial Coordinator
As you begin planning your spring lessons: The Illinois Holocaust Museum’s literature-based teaching trunk program provides K – 12 educators with a wide array of resources for classroom units on character education, human rights, the Holocaust and/or genocide. Each trunk allows educators to create meaningful, age/grade appropriate lessons employing award – winning fiction, non-fiction, historical reference materials, as well as DVDs and teaching posters. The focus of each trunk has been carefully developed to address State and National Learning Standards, including Common Core State Standards.
For further information and detail on each trunk click here
Inside the Trunks
*The curriculum framework binder contains an introduction to each trunk; synopses of select books and films with rationale, discussion questions, and activities; additional resources; and professional readings.
Reserve Your Teaching Trunk Today!
Generously supported by: Bank of America; The Jacob J. Fink Charitable Foundation; J.P. Morgan Chase; Kraft Foods; Motorola Foundation; RBC Wealth Management; State Farm; Bruce and Elizabeth White.
Education Services are supported with generous grants from: Dr. Scholl Foundation; Leah Gutman Education Fund; John and Eunice Johnson Education Fund; Harry & Sadie Lasky Foundation; Francis L. Lederer Foundation; Francis L. Lederer Foundation; MetLife Foundation; Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation; and an anonymous foundation.
Additional endowment support is provided by: The Mayor Richard M. and Maggie C. Daley Education Fund; The Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation Program Endowment Fund; and Teachers Educational Endowment Fund.
For further information and detail on each trunk click here
Inside the Trunks
- Reference and resources materials
- Classroom sets (30 copies)
- Literature Circle sets
- Read –aloud titles
- DVDs
- Posters
- Curriculum Framework Binder*
*The curriculum framework binder contains an introduction to each trunk; synopses of select books and films with rationale, discussion questions, and activities; additional resources; and professional readings.
Reserve Your Teaching Trunk Today!
Generously supported by: Bank of America; The Jacob J. Fink Charitable Foundation; J.P. Morgan Chase; Kraft Foods; Motorola Foundation; RBC Wealth Management; State Farm; Bruce and Elizabeth White.
Education Services are supported with generous grants from: Dr. Scholl Foundation; Leah Gutman Education Fund; John and Eunice Johnson Education Fund; Harry & Sadie Lasky Foundation; Francis L. Lederer Foundation; Francis L. Lederer Foundation; MetLife Foundation; Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation; and an anonymous foundation.
Additional endowment support is provided by: The Mayor Richard M. and Maggie C. Daley Education Fund; The Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation Program Endowment Fund; and Teachers Educational Endowment Fund.
Echoes & Reflections is the premiere source for Holocaust education and professional development which utilizes the unparalleled expertise and resources from three world leaders in education: the Anti-Defamation League, USC Shoah Foundation, and Yad Vashem, to empower teachers and students with the insight needed to question the past and foresight to impact the future.
They offer an array of webinars, which are also free.
Contact:
Ben Tanzer
Ben Tanzer|Director of Marketing and Communications, Echoes & Reflections
120 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1150 I Chicago, IL 60603
Office: 312-533-3924 I Cell: 312-622-3536 I Fax: 312-782-1142 I btanzer@adl.org
WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources is a cost-free academic Internet directory that is part of the volunteer-run WWW Virtual Library System, with over 2000 carefully selected, annotated links in 34 international affairs categories. It is frequently maintained, receives worldwide use daily, and is designed for teachers, scholars, students, researchers, diplomats, and the interested public, among others.
This Virtual Library would be useful to high school social studies and foreign language teachers. This directory is supported by Elizabethtown College, PA, USA and has recently relocated to https://internationalaffairsresources.com. All external links to any former URLs of this site since 1999 will automatically be forwarded to the new URLs.
Users of this Virtual library can identify cost-free, authoritative, reliable, ongoing sources of statistics, information, and analysis in International Studies, worthy of regular consultation, and also benefit from general tips for more effective Internet use in academics and in serious international studies research. Please note the “Tips for Quality Internet Research in International Studies” section on the index page.
The site is linked on hundreds of library, university, governmental, military, NGO, and IGO websites, including Oxford University’s Bodleian Library (http://ox.libguides.com/c.php?g=422732&p=2886656) and Sciences Po (http://sciencespo.libguides.com/science-politique/relations_internationales-defense), France’s top Political Science program. With the search term “resources for international relations students,” as well as several others, it is usually in the Top Ten on Google. Individual pages are also well-ranked under their relevant search terms. It was recently noted at http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2017/10/the-www-virtual-library-international.html and www.educatorstechnology.com/2017/10/7-good-new-edtech-tools-to-try-out.html.
Professor Wayne A. Selcher, Ph.D.
Professor of International Studies Emeritus
Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Legal Studies
Nicarry Hall
Elizabethtown College
One Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 17022-2298
U.S.A.
Editor, WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources since 1999
Homepage: https://internationalaffairsresources.com/about
This Virtual Library would be useful to high school social studies and foreign language teachers. This directory is supported by Elizabethtown College, PA, USA and has recently relocated to https://internationalaffairsresources.com. All external links to any former URLs of this site since 1999 will automatically be forwarded to the new URLs.
Users of this Virtual library can identify cost-free, authoritative, reliable, ongoing sources of statistics, information, and analysis in International Studies, worthy of regular consultation, and also benefit from general tips for more effective Internet use in academics and in serious international studies research. Please note the “Tips for Quality Internet Research in International Studies” section on the index page.
The site is linked on hundreds of library, university, governmental, military, NGO, and IGO websites, including Oxford University’s Bodleian Library (http://ox.libguides.com/c.php?g=422732&p=2886656) and Sciences Po (http://sciencespo.libguides.com/science-politique/relations_internationales-defense), France’s top Political Science program. With the search term “resources for international relations students,” as well as several others, it is usually in the Top Ten on Google. Individual pages are also well-ranked under their relevant search terms. It was recently noted at http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2017/10/the-www-virtual-library-international.html and www.educatorstechnology.com/2017/10/7-good-new-edtech-tools-to-try-out.html.
Professor Wayne A. Selcher, Ph.D.
Professor of International Studies Emeritus
Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Legal Studies
Nicarry Hall
Elizabethtown College
One Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 17022-2298
U.S.A.
Editor, WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources since 1999
Homepage: https://internationalaffairsresources.com/about
Teaching American History.org is excited to unveil another great resource for teachers and students! We’re offering free American History Toolkits to help you teach several major eras and topics in our Nation’s history.
Toolkits are topically-focused collections, each made up of resources from around TeachingAmericanHistory.org, and organized to provide for easy access to a variety of materials.
Topics include:
Each Toolkit contains:
To learn more and download your free Toolkits, visit: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/resource-type/toolkit/
Our whole purpose at TeachingAmericanHistory.org is to provide teachers like you with resources you need to thrive. We hope you (and your students) will find these Toolkits useful classroom resources.
Toolkits are topically-focused collections, each made up of resources from around TeachingAmericanHistory.org, and organized to provide for easy access to a variety of materials.
Topics include:
- The American Founding
- Expansion & Sectionalism
- Civil War & Reconstruction
- The Progressive Era
- The Great Depression and World War 2
- Civil Rights
Each Toolkit contains:
- Guiding Questions for the topic as a whole, with criteria for good answers
- A curated list of 10 essential documents from TAH.org’s Document Library
- Relevant Webinars, Podcasts, and YouTube videos
- Other documents-based resources from around TAH.org
- Lesson Plans that complement the documents and more!
To learn more and download your free Toolkits, visit: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/resource-type/toolkit/
Our whole purpose at TeachingAmericanHistory.org is to provide teachers like you with resources you need to thrive. We hope you (and your students) will find these Toolkits useful classroom resources.
NCSS Committees
Be an NCSS Leader!
Serve on an NCSS Operations CommitteeOperations committees carry out board-mandated operations, duties, and policies, as well as many of the necessary business and organizational functions of NCSS. Operations committees relate their work to Board directives, the long-range plan of NCSS, and the leadership theme of the year set by the Board. They make recommendations to the board and provide advice.
You must be a member of NCSS to serve on a committee, serving on one committee at any time. NCSS is committed to expanding participation of underrepresented groups. Beginning teachers, elementary teachers, and minorities are encouraged to apply. Appointments will be made by the House of Delegates in November and NCSS President-Elect in June for terms that will begin the following July 1.
Online Committee Application
Be an NCSS Leader!
Serve on an NCSS Operations CommitteeOperations committees carry out board-mandated operations, duties, and policies, as well as many of the necessary business and organizational functions of NCSS. Operations committees relate their work to Board directives, the long-range plan of NCSS, and the leadership theme of the year set by the Board. They make recommendations to the board and provide advice.
You must be a member of NCSS to serve on a committee, serving on one committee at any time. NCSS is committed to expanding participation of underrepresented groups. Beginning teachers, elementary teachers, and minorities are encouraged to apply. Appointments will be made by the House of Delegates in November and NCSS President-Elect in June for terms that will begin the following July 1.
Online Committee Application
The Unfinished Lives Educational Initiative
The Unfinished Lives Educational Initiative is groundbreaking as it will be the first introduction and discussion of the Holocaust in which Middle and High School teachers can instruct and lead without requiring them to become Holocaust teaching certified.
This unique initiative does not attempt to chronicle the Holocaust (too complex) but rather personalize this event through the portrayal of extraordinary people chronicling their lives, showing their works and telling their compelling stories a midst the tumultuous historical times in which they lived . (Similar to the Ann Frank story concept which has endured for now over 70 years.)
Unfinished Lives Presentation
YouTube Video of Unfinished Lives Presentation
The Unfinished Lives Educational Initiative is groundbreaking as it will be the first introduction and discussion of the Holocaust in which Middle and High School teachers can instruct and lead without requiring them to become Holocaust teaching certified.
This unique initiative does not attempt to chronicle the Holocaust (too complex) but rather personalize this event through the portrayal of extraordinary people chronicling their lives, showing their works and telling their compelling stories a midst the tumultuous historical times in which they lived . (Similar to the Ann Frank story concept which has endured for now over 70 years.)
Unfinished Lives Presentation
YouTube Video of Unfinished Lives Presentation
Inspire your students with a Field Trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum
Explore artifacts, hear from eyewitness speakers, and teach your students the universal lessons of the Holocaust, Genocide, and
Human Rights
"As the decision makers of tomorrow children must understand the consequences of indifference and hate. They must not be bystanders, they must always be proactive and have the courage to speak up and care."
-Holocaust Survivor, Aaron Elster
In Our Voices Tour
For Grades 7th-12th
Explore the history of the Holocaust by taking an inquiry-based walk through our Karkomi Permanent Exhibition. Investigate the experiences of Holocaust survivors, witnesses, resistors, and rescuers through artifacts and testimony. Analyze the human and moral implications of individual choice, responsibility, and memory through connecting galleries and themes. Discover what influences our decision to act as bystanders or upstanders.
Length: 3 hours
Available Times: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 2:00 (weekdays), 11:00 (weekends), 5:00 (Thursday evenings)
Group Size: 160 students maximum
Click here for more information
Make a Difference:
The Harvey L. Miller Family Youth Exhibition
Field Trips for 3rd through 6th grades
- Peek inside school lockers to find surprising stories about Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and others who took a stand.
- Give advice to kids in sticky situations or tell their own stories on video.
- Make a pledge to be an upstander in their own community.
BECOME A WITNESS (GRADES 6+)
Learn about the power of one voice to take a stand for positive change. Explore how questions of identity, human behavior, community, and culture connect to an introductory study of the history and lessons of the Holocaust. Topics include pre-war Jewish life, the Kindertransports, and post-war immigration.
MEMORY, ACTION, COMMUNITY (GRADES 5+)
Discover ways to become more actively involved in your local and global communities through hands-on activities in Make a Difference: The Harvey L. Miller Family Youth Exhibition. Learn how identity, social responsibility, and community tie into a discussion of universal human and civil rights and introductory study of the Holocaust, including pre-war Jewish life, the Kindertransports, and post-war immigration.
TAKE A STAND (GRADES 3+)
Through hands-on, interactive activities, discover what it takes to care for yourself and others, learn how to speak up for those being bullied, and understand core values of respect, compassion, justice, and citizenship.Develop the strategies and tools necessary to not only identify a problem, but also to identify and overcome any obstacles to solving that problem. This tour option does not include the Karkomi Permanent Exhibition.
Register Here
Opportunity Scholarships to subsidize admission and/or transportation available!
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
9603 Woods Drive
Skokie, IL 60077
Start a National History Club Chapter at Your School
The National History Club Inc. (NHC) inspires students and teachers to start History Club chapters at high schools, middle schools, and within other student and community programs. Members of local History Club chapters participate in local and national programs, and create their own projects and activities. The NHC also provides chapters with resources and services that will help them increase the activity and impact of their History Club. To date, 500+ History Club chapters at high schools and middle schools in 44 states have joined the NHC, and there are over 14,000 student members.
When you join the National History Club, you join students and teachers from around the country—and the world—in discovering, learning, reading, writing, teaching, and living history. The NHC's main goal is to bring together students and teachers with a real passion for history, helping them learn from each other's ideas, experiences, and stories, which are distributed through our tri-annual eNewsletter, monthly eUpdates, and other communication methods.
We do not limit the scope of activities that a chapter may participate in—each club is allowed to navigate its own course. This allows for a wide-range of really interesting activities that are displayed in each Newsletter and on our website. Schools are free to decide whether their chapter will be a regular History Club (open to all) or a History Honor Society (with specific requirements for induction). The NHC also co-sponsors multiple award programs to recognize outstanding student members, Advisors, and chapters. For more information on the NHC and to find out how to join, please visit: www.nationalhistoryclub.org
The National History Club Inc. (NHC) inspires students and teachers to start History Club chapters at high schools, middle schools, and within other student and community programs. Members of local History Club chapters participate in local and national programs, and create their own projects and activities. The NHC also provides chapters with resources and services that will help them increase the activity and impact of their History Club. To date, 500+ History Club chapters at high schools and middle schools in 44 states have joined the NHC, and there are over 14,000 student members.
When you join the National History Club, you join students and teachers from around the country—and the world—in discovering, learning, reading, writing, teaching, and living history. The NHC's main goal is to bring together students and teachers with a real passion for history, helping them learn from each other's ideas, experiences, and stories, which are distributed through our tri-annual eNewsletter, monthly eUpdates, and other communication methods.
We do not limit the scope of activities that a chapter may participate in—each club is allowed to navigate its own course. This allows for a wide-range of really interesting activities that are displayed in each Newsletter and on our website. Schools are free to decide whether their chapter will be a regular History Club (open to all) or a History Honor Society (with specific requirements for induction). The NHC also co-sponsors multiple award programs to recognize outstanding student members, Advisors, and chapters. For more information on the NHC and to find out how to join, please visit: www.nationalhistoryclub.org
Learning Bird
Learning Bird was founded on the principle that students learn best when the content they are engaging with is interesting and relevant to them. This is why we work in collaboration with schools and communities to integrate local Indigenous culture, language, history, and teachings into the content. We help communities infuse their voices into classrooms across Canada, to the benefit of all students.
Our content is delivered through a variety of models (videos, audio files, presentations, and handouts), and includes different voices and examples. We present this content through our web-based platform that allows teachers to easily find and share resources with their classes. We even have a local-server option for schools that don’t have a strong enough connectivity for reliable content streaming.
We encourage you to check out our site, www.learningbird.com, for general information, and to join if you are interested in participating.
Illinois State Bar Association and Illinois Judges Association
Free MaterialsThe Illinois State Bar Association has Law-Related Resources for Teachers, grades K-12, at http://www.isba.org/teachers. ISBA also publishes a free quarterly on-line newsletter for teachers. Included at the link are:
· High School Mock Trial Information
· Abraham Lincoln in Illinois
· Law Day
· ISBA Public and Law-Related Education Publications
· Law-Related Education (LRE) Newsletter
· ISBA Lesson Plans and Activities
· School Success Stories
· Lawyers in Classrooms
· CARE - Credit Abuse Resistance Education
The Illinois Judges Association welcomes opportunities to be in the classroom, including the 7 Reasons to Leave the Party, discussing the legal effects of drinking, and Courtroom in the Classroom, discussing the law through the use of a search of the locker at school case. Information available at http://www.ija.org.
Free MaterialsThe Illinois State Bar Association has Law-Related Resources for Teachers, grades K-12, at http://www.isba.org/teachers. ISBA also publishes a free quarterly on-line newsletter for teachers. Included at the link are:
· High School Mock Trial Information
· Abraham Lincoln in Illinois
· Law Day
· ISBA Public and Law-Related Education Publications
· Law-Related Education (LRE) Newsletter
· ISBA Lesson Plans and Activities
· School Success Stories
· Lawyers in Classrooms
· CARE - Credit Abuse Resistance Education
The Illinois Judges Association welcomes opportunities to be in the classroom, including the 7 Reasons to Leave the Party, discussing the legal effects of drinking, and Courtroom in the Classroom, discussing the law through the use of a search of the locker at school case. Information available at http://www.ija.org.
NCSS Award and Grant Selection Committees NCSS is looking for members to serve on awards selection committees. The selection committees review nominations and select recipients of NCSS awards and grants. Committee members serve a three-year term and most committee work is accomplished online or by telephone. Members are also asked to make a reasonable effort to attend the award winner session, awards presentation, and assist the committee chair when need arises during the review or at the NCSS conference.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Click here to volunteer
Outstanding Elementary, Middle Level, or Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the Year awards recognize social studies teachers who have made outstanding contributions through her exceptional teaching in K-6, 5-8, or 7-12. Committee members evaluate nominations and forward the results to the Committee chair. Communications are through e-mail and/or telephone. Members are asked to make a reasonable effort to attend the award winner session, awards presentation, and assist the Committee chair when need arises during the review or at the NCSS conference.
Eligibility: NCSS members who are current or previous elementary, middle, secondary level social studies teachers, administrators, teacher education faculty, or consultants are eligible to apply for the corresponding grade level committee. Familiarity with the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies is desirable. Previous recipients of NCSS or state council teacher of the year awards are especially encouraged to apply.
The Award for Global Understanding recognizes a social studies educator or team of educators who have made notable contributions in helping social studies students increase their understanding of the world.
Eligibility: NCSS members who are current or previous elementary, middle, secondary level social studies teachers, administrators, teacher education faculty, and/or consultants with a familiarity with the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies are eligible to serve on the Award for Global Understanding selection committee. Global/multicultural education practitioners or specialists and previous recipients of the award are encouraged to apply.
Grant for the Enhancement of Geographic Literacy recognizes an exemplary program of geographic education that encourages the integration of geography into the social studies curriculum/classroom and enhances the geographic literacy of students at the classroom, district or state level.
Eligibility: NCSS members who are current or previous social studies educators elementary, administrators, teacher education faculty, or consultants are eligible to serve on this committee. Experience with program, curriculum or teacher evaluation, a background as a geography education practitioner or specialist;and familiarity with National Geography Standards and National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies is desired.
Carter G. Woodson Book Awards recognize elementary, middle level, and secondary outstanding social science books appropriate for young readers and young adult readers which depict race-ethnicity in the U.S. Committee members evaluate all nominated books. Committee members may be asked to assist with award-winning book author presentation sessions, awards presentation, and book signings at the NCSS Annual Conference
Eligibility: NCSS members who are current or previous social studies educators elementary, administrators, teacher education faculty, or consultants who are one or more of the following are eligible to serve on the committee:
Click here to volunteer
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Click here to volunteer
Outstanding Elementary, Middle Level, or Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the Year awards recognize social studies teachers who have made outstanding contributions through her exceptional teaching in K-6, 5-8, or 7-12. Committee members evaluate nominations and forward the results to the Committee chair. Communications are through e-mail and/or telephone. Members are asked to make a reasonable effort to attend the award winner session, awards presentation, and assist the Committee chair when need arises during the review or at the NCSS conference.
Eligibility: NCSS members who are current or previous elementary, middle, secondary level social studies teachers, administrators, teacher education faculty, or consultants are eligible to apply for the corresponding grade level committee. Familiarity with the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies is desirable. Previous recipients of NCSS or state council teacher of the year awards are especially encouraged to apply.
The Award for Global Understanding recognizes a social studies educator or team of educators who have made notable contributions in helping social studies students increase their understanding of the world.
Eligibility: NCSS members who are current or previous elementary, middle, secondary level social studies teachers, administrators, teacher education faculty, and/or consultants with a familiarity with the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies are eligible to serve on the Award for Global Understanding selection committee. Global/multicultural education practitioners or specialists and previous recipients of the award are encouraged to apply.
Grant for the Enhancement of Geographic Literacy recognizes an exemplary program of geographic education that encourages the integration of geography into the social studies curriculum/classroom and enhances the geographic literacy of students at the classroom, district or state level.
Eligibility: NCSS members who are current or previous social studies educators elementary, administrators, teacher education faculty, or consultants are eligible to serve on this committee. Experience with program, curriculum or teacher evaluation, a background as a geography education practitioner or specialist;and familiarity with National Geography Standards and National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies is desired.
Carter G. Woodson Book Awards recognize elementary, middle level, and secondary outstanding social science books appropriate for young readers and young adult readers which depict race-ethnicity in the U.S. Committee members evaluate all nominated books. Committee members may be asked to assist with award-winning book author presentation sessions, awards presentation, and book signings at the NCSS Annual Conference
Eligibility: NCSS members who are current or previous social studies educators elementary, administrators, teacher education faculty, or consultants who are one or more of the following are eligible to serve on the committee:
- ethnic studies practitioners or specialists;
- classroom teachers who use children’s/young people’s literature in social studies instruction;
- reviewers of children/young people literature.
Click here to volunteer
Free Materials To Teach About The Japanese American Internment
Fred Korematsu is remembered for his courageous fight against the Japanese American Internment which led to the WWII 1944 Supreme Court case, Korematsu v. United States. Fred Korematsu was exonerated almost 40 years later and was eventually awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton.
FREE MATERIALS TO TEACH ABOUT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT AND FRED KOREMATSU
The Korematsu Institute (www.korematsuinstitute) wants to send you a FREE Teaching Kit that helps teachers instruct on the life of Fred Korematsu and the overall Japanese American internment during World War II.
PLEASE SHARE THE WORD ABOUT OUR MATERIALS WITH YOUR TEACHERS
Please inform your teachers about the FREE Teaching Kit. Help us spread the word about this pivotal story in U.S. History.
The Korematsu Institute (www.korematsuinstitute.org) has a wealth of free teaching materials that help students learn about Fred and the Japanese American internment during World War II. Some items include:
* a K-12 teaching guide,
* a Fred Korematsu classroom poster,
* the 24 minute version of the Emmy Award winning video, "Of Civil Wrongs and Rights, the Fred Korematsu Story."
Fred Korematsu is remembered for his courageous fight against the Japanese American Internment which led to the WWII 1944 Supreme Court case, Korematsu v. United States. Fred Korematsu was exonerated almost 40 years later and was eventually awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton.
FREE MATERIALS TO TEACH ABOUT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT AND FRED KOREMATSU
The Korematsu Institute (www.korematsuinstitute) wants to send you a FREE Teaching Kit that helps teachers instruct on the life of Fred Korematsu and the overall Japanese American internment during World War II.
PLEASE SHARE THE WORD ABOUT OUR MATERIALS WITH YOUR TEACHERS
Please inform your teachers about the FREE Teaching Kit. Help us spread the word about this pivotal story in U.S. History.
The Korematsu Institute (www.korematsuinstitute.org) has a wealth of free teaching materials that help students learn about Fred and the Japanese American internment during World War II. Some items include:
* a K-12 teaching guide,
* a Fred Korematsu classroom poster,
* the 24 minute version of the Emmy Award winning video, "Of Civil Wrongs and Rights, the Fred Korematsu Story."
Start a Rho Kappa Chapter Today!
RHO KAPPA National Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school
juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of social studies. Membership in RHO
KAPPA is an honor bestowed upon students by a local chapter for accomplishments in social studies
and overall academic achievement. Any accredited high school can apply to start a chapter, through
which students will be inducted into the RHO KAPPA Social Studies Honor Society.
For more information visit rhokappa.socialstudies.org
or call 301-588-1800 x 107
or e-mail at rhokappa@ncss.org.
RHO KAPPA National Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school
juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of social studies. Membership in RHO
KAPPA is an honor bestowed upon students by a local chapter for accomplishments in social studies
and overall academic achievement. Any accredited high school can apply to start a chapter, through
which students will be inducted into the RHO KAPPA Social Studies Honor Society.
For more information visit rhokappa.socialstudies.org
or call 301-588-1800 x 107
or e-mail at rhokappa@ncss.org.