WCSS 25: Full Schedule

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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10:30am CDT

The Bill of Rights in the Digital Age: Protecting Liberties in a Modern World

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

SENATE B

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As technology evolves, so do the challenges of applying the Bill of Rights to new contexts. This session will explore how founding-era protections of freedom of speech and privacy translate into modern debates over surveillance, digital privacy, and freedom of expression online. Educators will learn strategies to help students apply the first ten amendments to modern issues.

Speakers

Emilee McHorney

Teacher Programs Manager - Midwest, Jack Miller Center

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
SENATE B

Civics/Government, High School 9-12

Host Organization Jack Miller Center
Company Bridging Past and Present, Literacy for the Future
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

10:30am CDT

Wisconsin Act 31 - What Is Your District Doing to Incorporate American Indian Studies into the Curriculum?

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

CONF 3

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This presentation will provide an in-depth discussion about WI Act 31. WI Act 31 is a state law requiring all public school districts and pre-service educator programs to provide instruction on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the American Indian nations and tribal communities in Wisconsin. The focus is to help educators and other stakeholders understand and implement WI Act 31.

Speakers

David O'Connor

American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

David J. O'Connor is originally from and is a citizen of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa ( Anishinaabe or Ojibwe) in northern Wisconsin. In January 2012, he became the American Indian Studies Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). In Da... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
CONF 3

General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

Host Organization Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
Company Bridging Past and Present, Social Studies Advocacy
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

1:15pm CDT

Elevating Civil Rights Movement Voices from Past to Present

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

UNIV CD

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Explore teaching the impact of the Civil Rights Movement’s milestones and their influence on social dynamics and justice efforts. Leave with resources to foster meaningful civil discourse and critical thinking on historical reform and current challenges, like the role of AI in perpetuating biases. Empower students to connect the fight for civil rights to better engage in today’s social issues.

Speakers

Allan Carey

Allan Carey is the Director of Sphere Education Initiatives at the Cato Institute where he leads the organization’s efforts to engage grades 5-12 educators, including the annual Sphere Summit, on civic education, civil discourse, and the institutions of civic culture. Prior to his... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
UNIV CD

US History, High School 9-12

Host Organization Sphere Education Initiatives
Company Engaging Pedagogy, Bridging Past and Present
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

2:30pm CDT

From Parchment to Practice: Why the Constitution Still Matters

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

SENATE A

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This session will explore how the U.S. Constitution, written more than 200 years ago, continues to shape modern-day politics and society. Educators will learn how to help students connect constitutional principles—such as separation of powers, federalism, and checks and balances—to contemporary debates on governance, justice, and civil rights.

Speakers

Emilee McHorney

Teacher Programs Manager - Midwest, Jack Miller Center

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
SENATE A

Civics/Government, High School 9-12

Host Organization Jack Miller Center
Company Bridging Past and Present
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

2:30pm CDT

Visual Literacy: Democratic Principles Matter

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

CONF 4

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Images project the stories histories (of past and present) related to civic virtues and democratic principles. This session employs an interactive, three-step process for students to de-familiarize images from a single meaning and address the complexities of visual narratives. No art experience needed.

Speakers

Dr. Nicholle Schuelke

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
CONF 4

General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

Host Organization UW-Superior
Company Engaging Pedagogy, Bridging Past and Present
Audience 60 minute General Presentation