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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9:15am CDT

Tools for Teaching Responsible and Engaging Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

CONF 2

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This session will explore the myriad resources offered by the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center and the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Resource Center. Educators at this session will have the opportunity to preview pre-made lesson plans and primary sources as well as learn about field trip opportunities, traveling trunks, and professional development workshops.

Speakers

Sam Goldberg

Holocaust Education Resource Center

Evan Phifer

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
CONF 2

General Social Studies, High School 9-12

Host Organization Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Company Sharing Untold Stories, Local & Global Connections
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

10:30am CDT

Creating History Labs for Elementary Social Studies

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

CONF 2

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History Labs are powerful tools for engaging students in meaningful historical inquiry and developing critical thinking skills using primary sources. With careful planning and implementation, they can transform social studies instruction at the elementary level. Learn to curate inquiry boxes to make elementary social studies matter.

Speakers

Kevin Podeweltz

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
CONF 2

Elementary, Elementary K-5

Host Organization WCSS
Company It’s Elementary!, Learning Through Inquiry
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

1:15pm CDT

Contemporary Antisemitism

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

CONF 2

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Join HERC as we discuss the impact that rising antisemitism is having on students and school culture. Using Echoes & Reflections materials and data from Wisconsin, this session will provide educators with the tools they need to identify and respond to antisemitism in a classroom setting.

Speakers

Sam Goldberg

Holocaust Education Resource Center

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

General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

Host Organization Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC)
Company Engaging Pedagogy, Local & Global Connections
Audience 60 minute General Presentation

2:30pm CDT

Bridging Divides Through Civil Discourse: Empowering Students to Find Common Ground

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

CONF 2

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Discover practical tools and strategies to foster meaningful civil discourse in your classroom. This session explores methods to help students engage with diverse perspectives, navigate controversial topics, and build skills for constructive dialogue. Empower your students to bridge divides and cultivate understanding in history and social sciences education.

Speakers

Shawn McCusker

Senior Director of Professional Development, EdTechTeacher

Shawn McCusker is an author and Senior Director of Professional Learning at EdTechTeacher. He has 25 years of experience as a teacher and leader in public, private and alternative schools. Shawn is the author of Becoming Active Citizens, winner of the 2022 Foreword INDIES Gold Award... Read More →

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

General Pedagogy, All Social Studies Educators

Host Organization EdTechTeacher
Company Engaging Pedagogy, Student Civic Engagement
Audience 60 minute General Presentation