Teaching is an ever-evolving craft. The word “evolve” suggests gradual growth or change, but the 2020-21 school year was anything but gradual. Our sudden nationwide transformation to remote and virtual learning continued and expanded in different directions over the past year; even in districts that fully reopened at the start of the year, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were still felt. 

I extend my deepest, humblest appreciation to every teacher in the over 100,000 K-12 schools nationwide. You likely ended the school year more exhausted and overwhelmed than ever before. Yet you made a massive difference in the lives of your students. You held together communities, kept kids connected to each other, and worked under complex and challenging conditions that seemed to change every day. In the past month especially, you have also worked under a new kind of public scrutiny, in which many state legislatures have introduced bills to restrict approaches to your craft and how you guide lifelong inquiry and informed civic action for all learners. 

When we look back at the entire school year, you are our strength. I have full confidence we are entering an era where the impact that all teachers and schools have on preparing all students for an active, informed, and engaged civic life will be well-recognized. Schoolhouses may be a current debate in statehouses, but those debates could, in the end, reinforce how urgent a strong, supported educator workforce is to our country’s health. Educators will come out of this moment stronger than before.

As you prepare for summer break, I look forward to your reading and viewing recommendations. What are you devouring this summer, for next school year, or just for pleasure? I have a few NCSS resources to suggest if you seek some inspiration! 

As you prepare for fall planning, our latest TSSP focuses on Pride Month and includes several resources for incorporating LGBTQ+ books into your instructional program. TSSP also includes historical content looking back at the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights movement. Add these resources to your summer reading and fall planning list! We also support an LGBTQ and Allies Special Interest Community and welcome all members to consider joining it to participate in robust discussion and resource-sharing.

If you’re looking for a few other summer activities, I have a few other ideas for you. If you are an advisor for a Rho Kappa or Junior Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society chapter, consider running for a seat on our Rho Kappa Advisory Council. If you want to test your advocacy and writing skills, consider drafting a 2021 Resolution for this year’s House of Delegates Assembly. If you want to soak up content directly from your computer, register to attend our Summer Pop-UP! Event on Monday, June 28 – featuring 24 webinars for only $29! Or, if you want to share your own content and passion for social studies, consider writing an article (a special call is open for Social Studies and the Young Learner) for one of our journals.

Have a great summer, good luck planning for the fall….and however you spend the next few months, stay close to your NCSS social studies community. We’re here for you!