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!

9:45am CDT

Contemporary Indigenous History: Sovereignty & Self-Determination

Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am CDT

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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

David Olson

Director of Education, Retro Report

Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am CDT
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US History, High School 9-12

Host Organization Retro Report
Company Sharing Untold Stories, Learning Through Inquiry
Audience 30 minute Power Session

10:20am CDT

The 5Ks and Beyond: Exploring Historical and Contemporary Sikh American Experiences

Friday March 14, 2025 10:20am - 10:50am CDT

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Expand your understanding of Sikhism and Sikh American experiences. Sikh identity is often very visible on the surface, but the practices, beliefs, and experiences of Sikh Americans are often invisible. Learn more about Sikhism and the 120 years of Sikh-American history. Receive resources to promote cultural and religious literacy to enhance your teaching of AAPI history and heritage.

Speakers

Kate Soules

Friday March 14, 2025 10:20am - 10:50am CDT
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General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

Host Organization Kaur Foundation
Company Sharing Untold Stories, Local & Global Connections
Audience 30 minute Power Session

12:30pm CDT

A Block Away From Breakdown

Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm CDT

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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

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
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General Social Studies, Middle School 6-8

Host Organization Student at Northland College
Company Engaging Pedagogy, Learning Through Inquiry
Audience 30 minute Power Session

1:05pm CDT

Teachers helping teachers: Teaching with Primary Sources Teachers Network

Friday March 14, 2025 1:05pm - 1:35pm CDT

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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

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

Host Organization Teaching with Primary Sources Teachers Network
Company Sharing Untold Stories, Learning Through Inquiry
Audience 30 minute Power Session

10:30am CDT

ENGAGE: Building Global Citizenship Through Human Rights and Genocide Education

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am CDT

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Dive into the world of human rights and genocide education! We'll explore powerful stories, global responses to crises, and real-world issues like migration and modern slavery. You'll swap ideas, tackle hands-on activities, and brainstorm how to bring these topics into your classroom. Walk away with creative strategies to get your students thinking like global citizens.

Speakers

Justin Glodowski

Former WCSS President, Marshfield HS

Host of the ENGAGE: Teaching the Social Studies Podcast!

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
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Civics/Government, High School 9-12

Host Organization Marshfield HS
Company Sharing Untold Stories, Student Civic Engagement
Audience 30 minute Power Session

1:15pm CDT

State Bar Association: Mock Trials as a Learning Tool In & Out of Class

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT

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Simulating courtroom trials is a great way for students to get a hands-on learning experience and learn how their individual rights are protected by our justice system. Join a Mock Trial Teacher Coach to find out more about the Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament and how you can utilize opening statements, closing arguments, and direct/cross examination questions in your class!

Speakers

Sam Koenig

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
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Civics/Government, High School 9-12

Host Organization State Bar of Wisconsin/Franklin High School
Company Local & Global Connections, Student Civic Engagement
Audience 30 minute Power Session

1:50pm CDT

Tackling Tough Dialogue

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:50pm - 2:20pm CDT

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In this session, attendees will experience a simulated lesson revolving around engaging in difficult conversations. Teaching today requires educators to navigate the complexities of diverse learners with a plethora of backgrounds. This can make discussion-based lessons a challenge for educators as well as students. Teachers will leave this session with ideas, strategies, and confidence.

Speakers

Cassandra Brooks

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:50pm - 2:20pm CDT
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General Pedagogy, All Social Studies Educators

Host Organization Oconomowoc High School
Company Engaging Pedagogy
Audience 30 minute Power Session