History and Social Studies Updates

This is an introduction to data science, no experience necessary, for teachers who teach grades 6-12 Math, Statistics, Social Studies, Science, or Computer Science.

June 25 11 AM C3 Framework, its Past, Present and Future (Course Code 10570)

Join this professional learning session to explore the evolution and impact of the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.

June 25 1 PM Bell Ringers, Prompts and Smart Starts to Classes and Units (Course Code 10571)

In this interactive professional learning session, educators will discover how to design effective bell ringers, prompts, and “smart starts” that engage students, activate prior knowledge, and set the stage for meaningful learning.

June 26 9 AM Winning Strategies: Gamification to Energize Social Studies Classrooms (Course Code 10572)

This session explores how to incorporate game-based strategies into lessons to boost participation, deepen learning, and build enthusiasm for historical, civic, and geographic content.

June 26 11 AM Quick Checks, Big Impact: Elevating Classroom Formative Assessments (Course Code 10573)

This session will provide educators with practical strategies to effectively monitor student learning and adjust instruction in real-time.

June 26 1 PM - Beyond the Grade: Effective Rubrics for Meaningful Learning (Course Code 10579)

Participants will explore the principles of effective rubric design, focusing on clarity, fairness, and alignment with learning objectives.

All ACEE’s PD opportunities can be found at https://azecon.org/

4/24/25 Making Dough in Your Eatery: The Math of Restaurants

4/29/25 The Economics of Mergers and Acquisitions in Video Games

5/7/25 Emergency! No-Tech Activities for the Elementary Classroom

5/28/25 & 5/29/25 Elementary Economics Bootcamp

6/10/25 & 6/11/25 Middle School Economics Bootcamp

6/17/25 and 6/18/25 High School Economics Bootcamp

In person 6/16 - Mesa Community College Library Effective Professional Development Strategies for Lasting Impact

Join fellow educators and educational experts for webinars. Visit Current & Upcoming ⇽ Events | Econiful on Glue Up (or first join at Econiful)

April 24 - Career Readiness and Budgeting for the Age of AI

April 28 - Financial Literacy Month Trivia Night

May 7 - 6 Econ Books in 60 Minutes (with a free book)

July 22- Ahead of the Curve: Prepping for Your Economics Course | Econiful on Glue Up

Summer 2025 Book Club

AP Economics Live Reviews! Teachers AND students, prepare for your AP Micro and Macro economics exams in a webinar with the St. Louis Fed Economic Education team. Experts will answer questions live!

Register

• Three interactive modules, approximately 6 hours to complete.
• Self-paced, interactive, and facilitator supported.
• 6-hour certificate of completion provided.
• Final module includes additional time to complete an optional project for a 10-hour certificate.
• Option to earn graduate-level credit through the University of the Pacific.

Civic Learning Institute (CLI) at Harvard Graduate School of Education. CLI offers professional learning in history and civics for K-12 educators of all roles and grade levels. These four-week online courses are taught by content experts with live sessions and teacher coaching. Participants who complete the $15 course will earn a certificate of completion from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

• A More Complete American Story: The History of Jim Crow (registration closes 7/1)
• Digital Competency in the Age of AI (registration closes 7/1)
• Difficult Conversations in the Classroom (registration closes 7/1)

April 30 - The New Deal and the WPA

May 7 - Commemorating 80 Years Since World War II

May 14 - Asian Amerians and the American West

May 21 - Teaching the Cherokee Nation Cases

Join the Bill of Rights Institute for an engaging and informative remote training session on Presidential Powers. This session is designed to provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of Presidential Powers and equip them with resources to effectively teach this critical topic in their classrooms.

Explore the intentions of the Founding Fathers and the historical moments that have shaped the executive branch's authority, using key examples to illustrate these concepts. Engage in thought-provoking discussions with fellow educators, share your experiences, insights, and strategies for teaching Presidential Powers, and learn from the collective wisdom of the group.

A new school year brings new opportunities to center your work elevating teaching and learning around democracy in your school and department. This centering isn’t just decided in the halls of the US Capitol or your state capital–it can happen in your school. Come join Annalee Good and May Hara, authors of Teachers at the Table: Voice, Agency and Advocacy in Educational Policymaking & Teachers as Policy Advocates: Strategies for Collaboration and Change, as they share experiences of how they’ve made their best argument to their school principal, department heads, and other school-based decision makers.

Thursday, May 1 @ 3:30 pm (CT)

How can picture books spark inquiry and build knowledge in social studies classrooms? Join inquirED and NCSS to explore how to integrate picture books that inspire student curiosity and scaffold understanding across an Inquiry. Walk away with practical tools and examples to bring stories to life in your classroom.

Learn about the James Bonds and Jason Bournes of the American Revolution! In the lead-up to and during the American Revolution, intelligence gathering was vital in giving American forces an advantage in the war. Join the education teams at Colonial Williamsburg and the International Spy Museum for this engaging discussion about the role of espionage in early America as we share a range of resources that can bring this history to life for your students. Participants will receive a certificate for 1.5 professional development hours for attending this session. Please contact teacherdevelopment@cwf.org with any questions related to this program. Register

May 6 marks 143 years since the signing of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Join Facing History and the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation for a webinar to mark this date and explore how the Chinese Exclusion Act ushered in the concept of the undocumented immigrant in US history.

During this webinar, educators will explore resources to use with their students to engage with the history of the Angel Island Immigration Station to help them think critically about the concept of borders—not simply geographic borders, but the social, economic, and political boundaries erected throughout US history to separate “in” groups from “out” groups. Register here

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what stories can objects tell? Join the Museum of the American Revolution for our Historical Art and Objects as Teaching Tools workshop as we examine paintings centered on the American Revolution in addition to material culture from the Revolutionary Era. Together, we’ll analyze primary and secondary sources while investigating how close-looking and analysis of artwork and objects can be a gateway to student understanding of the people, places, and events of the American Revolution. Walk away from this workshop with ideas and resources for introducing historical objects and imagery in your classroom.

Teaching About Judaism

Explore one of the world’s oldest religions. This session will cover Judaism’s beliefs, behaviors, and experiences of belonging. You’ll gain digital activities to incorporate into your classroom as well as the content to help your students understand the basics of Judaism.

Jewish Americans

We’ll examine the rich diversity and history of Jewish Americans and gain insights that deepen the understandings of identity for all students. Teachers of world history, U.S. history, ethnic studies, human geography and world religions will all find relevant applications and resources in this workshop.

Jewish Americans: Identity, History, and Experience

This asynchronous course examines how Jewish Americans have acculturated and assimilated as well as how Jews have been racially categorized in the United States. By exploring these topics, you will be well-prepared to help students draw connections with other ethnic groups while deepening their own identities. Register here

This academy will provide educators with the foundation to implement Mock Trial in the classroom. Conducting simulated trials in the classroom is an interactive way for students to learn about the judicial system and improve public speaking, writing, critical thinking, and research skills. Lessons and activities will provide a starting point for teaching courtroom knowledge including the steps in a mock trial, roles of courtroom personnel, rules of evidence, and the trial process.

*This Academy is for educators who serve a middle/high school population.

Teaching Democracy and Freedom 2025 Summer Seminar ($)

Join Facing History for an exploration of their new collection of US History resources that develop historical inquiry skills and emphasizes students’ capacity for civic agency.

Civic Education, Democracy, & Lessons from History Workshop ($)

Join this interactive workshop featuring instructional resources that help foster civil discourse and use lessons of history to explore civic participation today.

Started in 2004, this Gilder Lehrman program recognizes excellence in the teaching of history at the K–12 level. Each year, thousands of teachers are nominated by students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members, shining a light on the important work they do.

An exciting opportunity awaits you! The Preserve America Youth Summit is taking place June 2 - 5, 2025, and we are seeking teachers as well as 7th - 12th graders to participate.

The Route 66 Centennial Youth Summit will be presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preserve Route 66 Initiative and HOPE Crew programs in partnership with the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona and other AZ partners.

The Summit will offer engaging on-site interactive learning and leadership experiences at historic places for students and educators with goals of strengthening community efforts and motivating the next generation of stewards.

This Youth Summit is a fully funded opportunity for both students and teachers! All program costs, including meals, transportation, and lodging are covered for all Summit participants. Additionally, community service hours are offered to participants.

Educators, you’re invited to the Heard Museum for an exciting night of professional learning and celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week! Join us for exclusive museum access, dinner catered by the Heard’s Courtyard Café, and a keynote presentation and song by recording artist, motivational speaker, and youth advocate Talibah Begay (Diné).

Do you know an exceptional K–12 teacher who delivers civic education instruction? Encourage them to apply for the 2025 American Civic Education Teacher Awards (ACETA). The Center for Civic Education, the Center on Representative Government at Indiana University, and the National Education Association sponsor this annual program to honor American teachers of civics, government, and related fields.

July 8-July 28, 2025 - Online Asynchronous Course

Teach your students to formulate effective questions, and to use effective questioning to pursue their interests, navigate complex situations, and solve problems.

What’s Being Offered?

✅ Micro-Credentials – Competency-based, practice-focused learning experiences that allow educators to demonstrate mastery of specific skills. Each completed micro-credential earns an $85 stipend (up to 9 micro-credentials).
✅ Self-Paced Courses – Short, topic-specific learning experiences designed to prepare educators for micro-credentials or provide valuable professional development. These courses are free and help build expertise in key areas.
✅ No Tuition Costs! – All micro-credentials and self-paced courses are fully covered by Project ACCLaIM.

This is a great opportunity for teachers to develop their skills, enhance their resumes, and earn stipends while doing so. If you know educators who might be interested, please feel free to share this information and encourage them to sign up at:
🔗 links.asu.edu/acclaimregistration

APACE Academy students engage in activities which help them find connections between their cultural identity, history and their own professional development. APACE is a space for high school students to make new connections with similarly aged peers, professionals, ASU faculty and students, and community organizations and mentors.

Founding Forward and the Bill of Rights Institute are pleased to announce the Debate & Leadership Institute! This summer, students will have the unique opportunity to participate in a 5-day debate program in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, July 21-25, 2025. Learn more here

The Debate & Leadership Institute is open to high school students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade in the 2025-2026 school year. Participants will spend the week strengthening their debate skills and deepening their civic knowledge through:

• Expert-led discussions
• Real-world debate training
• A competitive debate tournament
• A tour of historic Philadelphia, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

MyImpact Challenge is a civic engagement contest hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute. Submission is open to US citizens and US-based young people who are between the ages of 13 and 19 and enrolled in middle or high school on January 1, 2025.

Empowered Leaders, Stronger Communities: The Role of Civic Virtues in Society

The Civic Leadership Institute (CLI) is a 2-day, in-person program hosted at the Flinn Foundation in Phoenix on June 9th and 10th in partnership with the Bill of Rights Institute.

The founding principles and civic virtues provide a framework for understanding how to best work together in our communities. Explore the fundamental American principles in the U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution—such as liberty, equality, constitutionalism, and democracy—and connect them to community engagement and responsible citizenship.

• There is no attendance fee, and participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion. Daily lunch and snacks are provided. Travel stipends will be available.

  Apply at civics.asu.edu/cli

Do you know someone who created an amazing project about George Washington? Nominate them for the Student of the Year Award! The Student of the Year Award awards a cash prize to middle or high school students who create a project that discusses George Washington or draws connections between Washington and their work.

The Student of the Year Award is now open for nominations in the 2024-2025 school year. Nominate someone today!

The Legacies of Service Awards offer students in grades 6–12 the opportunity to explore the work of America’s Veterans and win one of ten $500 prizes.

Participating students are invited to create a biographical profile of a Vietnam War Veteran or service member who is interred in a National Cemetery. Students may submit their profile in any format they wish, including written reports, eulogies, videos, podcasts, poems, or songs.

This contest from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History—split into Grades 3–8 and Grades 9–12 divisions—allows students to showcase their understanding of American history and civics by suggesting a relevant and insightful question to be added to the Citizenship Test. Students can submit their suggestions via a short essay, mini-podcast, or short video entry.

We will award ten $500 prizes to the winning students and feature the winners on our Citizenship Test: Civics and American History homepage.

All high school students in Gilder Lehrman Affiliate Schools are eligible. You are invited to submit an original essay—written independently or for a 2024–2025 class—that has been revised, expanded, and adapted to conform with the McCullough Prize specifications.

Looking for an engaging, hands-on activity to help your students understand economic, personal finance, and entrepreneurship concepts? Students in grades K-12 are challenged to create an original illustration representing their interpretation of various topics. Six students will win $500 cash prizes! Bonus: Rural schools and first-time participating teachers will be entered into a drawing for one of three $50 gift cards. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

Entries due by October 10, 2025

The 2025 Learning Lab Virtual Conference, hosted by Studies Weekly, is a premier professional development event for PreK–8 educators in social studies, science, and health and wellness. Taking place from June 16–17, 2025, this year’s theme, Thrive!, is all about empowering teachers to grow, innovate, and lead with confidence.

Join us for two days of dynamic sessions, interactive workshops, and collaborative discussions led by education professionals and peers. Discover practical strategies, explore impactful classroom practices, and connect with a vibrant community of educators passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re looking to enhance your curriculum, refine your instructional methods, or gain fresh perspectives, the Learning Lab is your space to thrive.

At this free, virtual conference, discover the latest practices in accurate, meaningful teaching about the Holocaust with leading historians and educators. Bring the Museum's collection into your classroom with instructional strategies and resources. These materials highlight survivor testimonies, artifacts, diaries, and historical documents to support instruction across subject areas and inspire all students to think critically about how and why the Holocaust happened.

LearnOn: a Virtual Conference on Whole-Child Education is all about empowering educators to Boldly Go beyond traditional teaching methods to create learning experiences and memories for students across the globe.

EVERFI's network is filled with educators who are passionate about preparing students for the real world.

If you are looking to spark your creativity and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, this virtual event is for you.

Across time and place, history has shown that conflict has been a catalyst for cooperation. Unlikely alliances have been forged within wars, solidarity amongst divergent groups has supported revolutions, political disputes have been resolved through consensus-building, and processes of negotiation and peacebuilding have become enduring legacies of global conflicts.

ACHE encourages you to consider sharing an innovative lesson, activity, or teaching strategy by submitting a proposal to present at our annual conference. They welcome presentations that explore histories of unlikely allies, international cooperation, or political rivalries. Let your work inspire fellow educators and bring this year’s theme to life! Submit your proposal here.

Join the Arizona Council for Economic Education for the Arizona Financial Literacy and Economic Education conference. This conference is essential for K-12 teachers and administrators who are dedicated to enhancing their teaching with impactful lessons and valuable resources across various disciplines, incorporating economics, personal finance, and entrepreneurship. Don’t miss out on this must-attend event that will equip you with the tools to inspire and educate your students effectively.

The National Council for History Education invites proposals focused on the concept of “Diasporas: Histories of Movement and Cultural Exchange.” How have specific movements of people impacted the places they landed and the places they left behind? How have various elements of diasporic culture – such as language, music, beliefs, architecture, storytelling, or family structures – grown or disappeared? What led to migrations, and what were the resulting diasporas? How can we illuminate resilience in diasporic communities created by conflict or violence? What new sources or scholarship can foster student interest in familiar migration stories?

Join the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) for the 2025 Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) in Kansas City, Missouri as they embark on an inspiring journey to empower social studies and aspiring leaders across the nation. SLI is dedicated to equipping classroom teachers, curriculum and building leaders, as well as leaders from state councils, communities, and associated groups with the tools they need to build their capacity for advocacy and leadership in social studies education. This year's institute will provide essential resources and networking opportunities to support local advocacy and to strengthen our collective voice and influence.

If you teach 4-8th grade civics or social studies in Arizona, the Civics that Empowers All Students (CEAS) program may be of interest to you! Only 20 Arizona teachers will be accepted into the program that utilizes the We the People curriculum. Accepted participants will attend a free, professional development summer institute and complete additional program requirements to receive a stipend, classroom set of We the People textbooks, and numerous teaching resources. Free, private hotel accommodations for the institute will be provided to all participating teachers. For more information and to apply, visit https://forms.gle/u3dhq5L8ipnPn1m38.

Project Community empowers 4th-8th grade educators to teach media literacy and civic engagement to diverse, underserved students. It bridges the civic empowerment gap by providing inclusive civic education and modern media literacy lessons tailored to various identities, abilities, and challenges. The program is open to 4th-8th grade teachers in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with teachers from multiple states and gain teaching resources! Learn more at https://lawforkids.org/programs/project-community.

The Center for Civic Education invites you to a PAID, 3-day professional learning institute in beautiful Carson City, Nevada, from July 15-17! This exciting opportunity will prepare you to bring meaningful civil discourse lessons into your middle school classroom.

Through our Elevating Unheard Perspectives through Civil Discourse project, we've developed a curriculum designed to help students in rural and Indigenous communities engage in respectful, meaningful discussions.

The Summer Institute is a rigorous professional development program that brings teachers together to work with experiences mentors and scholars from a variety of disciplines. Participants attend lectures and interactive sessions on We the People teaching methods. They will also participate in a simulated congressional hearing modeled after the We the People culminating activity.

Up to 20 Arizona teachers who teach 4th-12th grade will be selected from public, private, and charter schools to attend. In return for participation in the Summer Institute (valued at up to $1800) we ask that teachers use the We the People in their classroom and conduct a simulated congressional hearing with their students. The Foundation will also provide technical assistance and support throughout the year as teachers work towards full program implementation. Click here for the application!

This FREE 2025 Virtual Teacher Institute is the can't miss online educator event of the summer. The event brings together educators from all over the world, and, over three days, provides interactive sessions headed by engaging and leading experts in the history and education fields.

July 15-16 | 9:00am-12:00pm (Pacific)

By the end of this program, you will understand the basics of Judaism, the origins of antisemitism and how it has evolved over time, the story of America’s largest wave of Jewish immigration, and what Jewish American identity looks like today. Participants will learn new strategies for engaging students with primary source documents, collaborate with fellow educators, and receive standards-supported, high-quality instructional materials.

June 24-26 | 9:00am-12:00pm (Pacific),July 15-17 | 9:00am-12:00pm (Central), July 22-24 | 9:00am-12:00pm (Eastern)

In this program, you will understand the history of this complex conflict – from its origins in late 19th century nationalist movements up to the mid-2000s – and focus on turning points and key events along the way. Participants will learn new strategies for engaging students with primary source documents, collaborate with fellow educators, and receive standards-supported, high-quality instructional materials.