#NCSS2019 Recap Blog

by Mary Ellen Daneels, Civics Instructional Specialist

Last month, thousands of educators throughout the United States convened in Austin, Texas, for the 99th Annual National Council for the Social Studies conference. We asked a few of our colleagues in the Land of Lincoln to share their top takeaways for those who were not able to attend. Here are some ideas and resources for your consideration.



Dan Fouts from Maine West High School in Niles recommends the Drafting Table from the National Constitution Center for, "resources on how the language of the Constitution—within articles and amendments—was adapted before being put in final form. Great teaching moments await!"

Jason Janczak from Grayslake Central High School in Grayslake recommends two civics resources.
  • My Part of the Story by Facing History and Ourselves can be used to "Learn how you can help guide students to find their place in the identity of the United States and how each person’s story contributes to the larger story of the United States."
  • A Seat at the Table from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute helps students "Answer Shirley Chisholm’s call for a seat at the table: 'If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.' Students create chairs that reflect social change, identity, or collective power."
Heather Monson, an Illinois Civics Instructional Coach, from United Township High School in East Moline has a few recommendations.
  • FriEDTECHnology has, "Excellent and refreshing ways to use Google, Google Classroom, and Google Earth in social studies classrooms. Many online pieces of training are available. Also, if your school is buying Chromebooks, they will come to your school and train the staff FOR FREE!"
  • "We have a strong Latino community and are adding a history course focusing on Latin American history." Heather recommends the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) because "this included information from Stanford University and Vanderbilt University."
  • Heather also discovered Civics 101 from New Hampshire Public Radio and 60-Second Civics from the Center for Civic Education. "I was seeking out various podcasts for my students to listen to on government/constitutional issues. This is a booth I visited that has some great resources in small bits for kids to listen to."
Did you attend the NCSS conference in Austin? What ideas and resources did you discover? Please comment below. Together, we can prepare all students for college, career, and civic life.

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