It is a common adage that students don’t learn to read, but read to learn. Civics and history education can come alive across multiple disciplines.Come learn best practices to accomplish this goal using the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap.

“The Fresh Market: Connecting Content, Children, Families, and the Community,” outlines the “fresh market project” and lays out an argument for a cross-curricular approach to teach social studies in a preschool classroom. The authors outline a process in which teachers met weekly to think of ways to embed content in science, technology, reading, engineering, art, math, and social studies in an effective and engaging manner. Their narrative highlights the power of interdisciplinary work with young children, with an emphasis on social studies as the connecting thread.

During this session, participants will learn strategies for teaching the 2022 midterm elections. Major issues confronting voters in the midterms will be analyzed; strategies for teaching these and other controversial issues in the classroom will also be discussed. Civics teachers, U.S. history, and other teachers teaching the midterm elections and the American political system will benefit from this session. Guest Speaker: Stephen Armstrong is the social studies consultant for the Connecticut State Department of Education and Past President of the National Council for the…

High school ethnic studies courses that address the perspectives and experiences of people of color are increasingly in demand. The author describes the thematic, inquiry-based approach she developed that reflects her school’s diversity.

Join in a discussion about what makes an argument good. Participants will gain a two-step process that students can use to evaluate and strengthen their arguments in argument map form, either solo or in a peer-review process. We will also consider the role of objections and rebuttals in argument development. How We Argue Webinar Series Educators often want to discuss current issues and empower students to engage as active citizens. Yet, when discussing controversial topics, some students rely on unsubstantiated facts or emotional appeals, rather than evidence and reasoning…

Agriculture in the Economics Classroom? It absolutely goes together! Issues of environment, sustainability, food production, population growth, and connections to our local and global communities are essential components of today's ever-changing world, and those same issues directly tie to economics. In this session, participants will learn about online resources, educational websites, teacher programs, student-led virtual partner exchanges, international collaboration opportunities, and community involvement activities that all bring together agriculture and economics. A focus will…

In this two-part series, teachers will be provided with the tools to promote digital literacy and analyze public policy. Join Allison Norrie, high school social studies teacher for the Fairfield Public Schools, and Stephen Armstrong, past president of the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies and current education consultant for Connecticut’s Department of Education as they share strategies and resources for educators to aid in teaching and monitoring election cycles leading up to and including the upcoming presidential elections of 2024.   Presentation Slides

"America is an exceptional nation built on a Declaration of Independence and a Constitution that offer a rare collection of inalienable rights and guaranteed freedoms: freedom of speech; freedom of religion; freedom to assemble; freedom of the press; the right to vote; the right to appeal; the right to bear arms. But let’s be honest. A “just government” requires the “consent of the governed,” as Jefferson declared. That is the essence of American democracy. But it is an ideal that must be defended and preserved by vigilant civic engagement. Democracy is not a spectator sport! This webinar…

This teacher's take will be centered on the power of helping students find their voice through debate. Speaker: Ahlam Yassin, High School History Teacher, New Jersey