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Welcome to WCSS 25 - MAKING SOCIAL STUDIES MATTER! We are excited to host a powerful two day conference in our state capital, sharing countless ideas and methods to continue making social studies relevant to our students.  Get ready to learn, grow, and have some fun in the process!
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Friday, March 14
 

8:30am CDT

How to Explore Supreme Court Cases: A non-partisan framework
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
UNIV AB
Feedback Survey
Explore the Center’s non-partisan framework–rooted in storytelling, critical thinking skills, and dialogue–as a means to dive into Supreme Court cases. Engage with ways to incorporate the stories at the heart of cases, constitutional questions justices use to rule on the case, and the methods of dialogue used to write opinions.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Harris

Sarah Harris

Director of Education, National Constitution Center
Hello everyone! I am the director of education at the National Constitution Center. Prior to starting at the Center, I taught freshman history at a high school in New Jersey. I loved incorporating dialogue into my classroom practices, asking my students to evaluate their own understandings... Read More →
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
UNIV AB
  Civics/Government, High School 9-12

8:30am CDT

Financial Education-What Works and Strategies for Implementation
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
CONF 2
Feedback Survey
The largest meta study of financial education effectiveness conducted by FINRA Foundation and the National Endowment for Financial Education has clear implications for the new Wisconsin personal finance class graduation requirement. Learn about how to incorporate it’s findings along with what knowledge, skills and positive behaviors our students need to become financially capable young adults.
Speakers
TL
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
CONF 2
  Economics, High School 9-12

8:30am CDT

Social Issues Matter More Than Ever in Speech & Dramatic Arts
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
CONF 1
Feedback Survey
Teachers can motivate students in grades 6-12 to consider ways of engaging in social studies and expressing their thoughts creatively through interscholastic debating, speaking, film, and theatre. These can be adapted to classroom activities and social studies standards and/or conducted exclusively after school to prepare students for in-person or online contests.
Speakers
avatar for Adam Jacobi

Adam Jacobi

Executive Director (WISDAA) & Curriculum Coordinator (HDC), Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) & Harvard Debate Council (HDC)
Biography: https://www.adamjacobi.com/biography
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
CONF 1
  General Social Studies, Middle & High School

8:30am CDT

19th Century Wisconsin: The Building of Communities
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
CONF 3
Feedback Survey
The 19th century story of Wisconsin is one of ingenuity, innovation, and grit. Throughout Wisconsin people harnessed the power of water to saw lumber and grind wheat into flour. They mined for lead and iron and laid railroad track. Horse power, water power, and creative technology built communities across Wisconsin. The gears of change certainly were in motion. This is that story (Grades 4 - 5)
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
CONF 3
  US History, Elementary K-5

8:30am CDT

Historical Thinking Skills for the Social Media Age
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:45am CDT
SENATE A
Feedback Survey
Students have access to more information than ever before, but separating fact from fiction has never been more difficult. Historical thinking skills can empower students to analyze the (mis)information they encounter online. We’ll use a variety of PBS resources and media to sharpen students’ media literacy skills, including research, fact-checking, identifying bias, and finding reliable sources.
Speakers
avatar for Nick Ostrem

Nick Ostrem

Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:45am CDT
SENATE A
  General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

9:45am CDT

Contemporary Indigenous History: Sovereignty & Self-Determination
Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am CDT
CONF 1
Feedback Survey
Current curricula often ignore the influence of Indigenous peoples on contemporary history, and contain scant mention of current Indigenous issues, leaving students believing that Native Americans are a race lost to the past. This Retro Report collection of films and lessons aims to help teachers tell a fuller story.
Speakers
avatar for David Olson

David Olson

Director of Education, Retro Report
Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am CDT
CONF 1
  US History, High School 9-12

9:45am CDT

Real-World Economics: Teaching America’s Housing Crisis Through a Policy Lens
Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
CONF 4
Feedback Survey
Dive into U.S. housing challenges with Sphere and FEE. Learn strategies to engage students in examining zoning policies, supply and demand, market competition, incentives, costs and benefits, mortgages, and more. Strategies include a graphic novel, interactive maps, tools, and a choice board. Connect to economics standards and support students in considering the future of home affordability.
Speakers
avatar for John Snoad

John Snoad

Senior Manager, Sphere Education Initiatives
John Snoad is a lifelong, career educator with 34+ years of teaching and coaching in the high school arena, where he was rated accomplished and highly effective, with a focus on Government, Civics and both U.S. and World History. His experiences range from urban to suburban and rural... Read More →
avatar for James Redelsheimer

James Redelsheimer

Curriculum Development Officer, Foundation for Economic Education
James Redelsheimer, Curriculum Development Officer at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), has  20+ years of AP Economics and Personal Finance teaching experience at the High School level in Minnesota. He is the co-author of Barron’s AP Economics, and holds degrees from... Read More →
Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
CONF 4
  Economics, High School 9-12

12:30pm CDT

A Block Away From Breakdown
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm CDT
CONF 1
Feedback Survey
This power session will engage with a Tumbling Towers game that allows students to reimagine the flow of history and partake in a critical thinking activity which challenges their view of history. This style of activity prompts further inquiry into cause and effect and the necessity of violence, while keying into students’ need for play in the classroom and being contextually adaptable.
Speakers
avatar for Alissa Johnson

Alissa Johnson

Hello! My name is Alissa Johnson, I am a fourth-year Secondary Education and History double major at Northland College. I am currently student teaching here in Wisconsin at the middle school level. In 2024 I presented at the NCSS conference and I am excited to bring the project to... Read More →
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm CDT
CONF 1
  General Social Studies, Middle School 6-8

12:30pm CDT

Ignite Inquiry in Elementary Classrooms: Exploring Social Studies Wisconsin
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
SENATE B
Feedback Survey
Exploring Social Studies-Wisconsin places inquiry at the heart of K-5 social studies, challenging students to think critically and ask compelling questions. Through primary sources and inquiry-driven activities, this program fosters curiosity and deep understanding, transforming social studies into an engaging and meaningful experience for every classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Kara Ball

Kara Ball

Academic Officer, Teacher Created Materials
Kara is an Academic Officer specializing in inquiry-based teaching in STEM and social studies. As the author of 50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills, she champions innovative approaches to education. With experience as a District Elementary STEM Education Specialist and K-5 educator... Read More →
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
SENATE B
  Elementary, Elementary K-5

12:30pm CDT

Inquiry as a Steady Drumbeat: Looping Your Inquiries
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
CONF 3
Feedback Survey
Inquiry needs a steady beat to find a groove in social studies. We explore three IDM middle school curricular loops built around different concepts (culture, artifacts, and perspective) for Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Once the background is given, participants will be able to work on their own inquiries through a challenge with the new IDM blueprint model.
Speakers
TS
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
CONF 3
  General Pedagogy, All Social Studies Educators

12:30pm CDT

Sparking Curiosity and Engaging Students with Media and Collaboration
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
UNIV CD
Feedback Survey
This session offers participants the opportunity to engage in an inquiry driven session through unique media formats and collaborative activities. Participants will be engaged and leave with activities that can be used in the classroom immediately!
Speakers
AT
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
UNIV CD
  US History, High School 9-12

1:05pm CDT

Teachers helping teachers: Teaching with Primary Sources Teachers Network
Friday March 14, 2025 1:05pm - 1:35pm CDT
CONF 1
Feedback Survey
Please join on of the Teaching with Primary Sources Teachers Network (TPSTN) Mentors to learn about connecting with 1000s of teachers nationwide for insights, ideas and lessons. During this power session, folks will learn how to join, search and create through the TPSTN. Specific resources, sources for assistance and connections will be highlighted throughout.
Speakers
avatar for Diana Laufenberg

Diana Laufenberg

Executive Director, inquiryschools.org
A farm kid from Wisconsin, Diana Laufenberg has taught all grade levels from 7-12 in Social Studies. Laufenberg most recently taught at the Science Leadership Academy (SLA). For the past two decades Diana has been a secondary social studies teacher in Wisconsin, Kansas, Arizona and Pennsylvania. She most recently taught at the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia, an inquiry-driven, project-based high school focused on modern learning. Her... Read More →
Friday March 14, 2025 1:05pm - 1:35pm CDT
CONF 1
  General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

1:45pm CDT

Forbidden Topics? Support Teachers!
Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
CONF 3
Feedback Survey
In this session we will be present on strategies on how to present on topics that many regions consider “forbidden.” We will present on ways to navigate this ideology to meet standards.
Speakers
avatar for Carlos Romo

Carlos Romo

Mukwonago High School
I currently am a teacher at Mukwonago High School and serve on the Board of Directors for the WCSS. I teach AP World History and World History. I have taught grades 6-12, in various social studies capacities. I have worked with struggling learners and at risk students for most of... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Kopplin
Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
CONF 3
  General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

3:00pm CDT

Integrating Social Studies Inquiry in Elementary Classrooms
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
UNIV CD
Feedback Survey
Many elementary students do not have chances to engage in social studies inquiry. Learn how to integrate elements of inquiry into your day-to-day instruction by hearing how early preservice teachers (i.e. novices) were supported in developing inquiry projects, exploring examples of quality inquiries, and identifying areas you can incorporate student inquiry.
Speakers
avatar for Matt McParker

Matt McParker

Associate Professor/ EME Program Director, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
UNIV CD
  Elementary, Elementary K-5

3:00pm CDT

Let the Games Begin! The Power of RPGs and Simulations in Social Studies
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
UNIV CD
Feedback Survey
Learn about the process of creating an interactive simulation that engages students in primary source analysis, argumentative writing, inquiry, and collaboration through historical perspective-taking and role play. This model for learning motivates students and offers an opportunity for them to interact with and deeply understand the significance of events in history. Let the games begin!
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Parchem
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
UNIV CD
  General Pedagogy, All Social Studies Educators

3:00pm CDT

Putting the "Social" Back In SS
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
UNIV AB
Feedback Survey
These are exciting times for educators, but increased focus on STEAM has Social Studies on the back burner. How do we bring it back? Putting the “Social” back in Social Studies! From student and teacher designed simulations, app based gaming, twists on board games and more, come learn with us as we put the “Social” back in social studies to increase engagement.
Speakers
avatar for Erin Patchak

Erin Patchak

Middle School Social Studies and English Language Arts Teacher, Bay View Middle School Howard-Suamico School District
I have been teaching 7th and 8th grade social studies and English language arts at Bay View Middle School in the Howard-Suamico School District for 21 years. I LOVE bringing social studies to life with my middle schoolers through simulation experiences, project based learning, and... Read More →
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
UNIV AB
  General Social Studies, Middle School 6-8

3:00pm CDT

Tell A Story-Record History
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
CONF 4
Feedback Survey
Give your students the opportunity to use technology to capture history through the voices of those they know. With today's digital tools, the process of interviewing and documenting personal stories has never been easier. By harnessing these resources, you can enhance learning experiences, foster deeper student engagement, and make history more accessible and relevant to their lives.
Speakers
avatar for Sonja Pupovac
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
CONF 4
  General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

3:00pm CDT

Fold in the Cheese: How Do You Make Resource Fidelity Engaging?
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
CAUCUS
Feedback Survey
Inspired by the iconic "Schitt's Creek" scene, this session tackles the challenge of textbook fidelity. Attendees will explore the "Why" and research behind high-quality resource fidelity. Practical examples will demonstrate how to maintain fidelity while making social studies engaging, interactive, culturally responsive, and include content literacy. Join us to transform your teaching approach and walk away with valuable resources! 
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Kumrow

Ashley Kumrow

Curriculum Coordinator, Green Bay Area Public Schools
District Level Curriculum Coordinator | Curriculum Development | Instructional Leader |  Shifting the culture and driving results in Social Studies instruction for 90 teachers across 35 schools impacting 18,000 students.  Passionate about create spaces of collaboration and professional... Read More →
JS
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
CAUCUS
  Professional Development, All Social Studies Educators
 
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