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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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Company: Engaging Pedagogy clear filter
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

Using AI to Supercharge Your Content
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
UNIV CD
Feedback Survey
Participants will learn about interactive AI tools that they can use to help tune their content with a focus on engagement. Learn to identify and refine the conflict naturally found in our curriculum and then use that as a springboard for building highly engaging classroom experiences. Attendees will leave the session with knowledge of how to utilize AI tools and a product for their own classroom.
Speakers
MB
Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
UNIV CD
  General Pedagogy, 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

Acting on Act 31: Centering Indigenous Voices, Perspectives, and Stories
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
UNIV AB
While Act 31 provides a mandate for educators to teach about the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of Native Nations in Wisconsin, acting on this requirement can feel challenging without context or support. Join us as we unpack, unlearn, and relearn together, and explore resources for not just including, but centering Indigenous voices, perspectives, and stories in our learning spaces.
Speakers
avatar for Mia Forslund

Mia Forslund

Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
UNIV AB
  General Pedagogy, All Social Studies Educators

12:30pm CDT

Building a New Nation: Women’s History in the Early Republic
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
CONF 4
Feedback Survey
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, examine how women advocated for rights in the Early Republic and consider how to bring diverse perspectives into your teaching of the country’s founding. Using materials from The New York Historical's free curriculum website "Women & the American Story" (WAMS), participants will analyze how women participated in and resisted the formation of the US.
Speakers
avatar for Lynn Saltonstall

Lynn Saltonstall

Manager of Professional Learning, The New York Historical
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
CONF 4
  US History, Middle School 6-8

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

12:30pm CDT

Using Comics to Teach Untold History
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
CAUCUS
Feedback Survey
- Identify multiple ways that a comic can be used to discuss difficult moments in history in a culturally responsive way.
- Integrate primary sources into a history lesson in a culturally responsive way
- Describe ways that comics can be used to develop literacy and SEL skills
Speakers
SM
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
CAUCUS
  US History, High School 9-12

1:45pm CDT

Storybook Adventures: Bringing Social Studies to Life
Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
SENATE A
Feedback Survey
Ignite your students’ curiosity and bring social studies to life through storytelling and art! Learn how integrating storybooks and art activities can make social studies MATTER. Walk away with practical strategies, lesson plans, and resources to create engaging, multi-sensory experiences that transform social studies into meaningful learning.
Speakers
avatar for Renee Schumacher

Renee Schumacher

Arts Integration Coordinator, Oshkosh Area School District
I was a K-12 visual arts teacher for 8 years before transitioning to the District Arts Integration Coordinator position in Oshkosh, WI.I received my Master's in Educational Leadership and got certified in Arts Integration and curriculum coaching. Now I get to work with and coach amazing... Read More →
Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
SENATE A
  Elementary, Elementary K-5

1:45pm CDT

ENGAGE: Teaching in Simulations
Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
UNIV AB
Feedback Survey
Join Alisha and Justin (hosts of the ENGAGE social studies podcast) as they explore dynamic simulations designed to bring social studies to life! We’ll showcase practical examples that engage students in active learning, deepen understanding of complex topics, and promote critical thinking. Expect to see simulations in action and walk away with ideas you can implement immediately.
Speakers
avatar for Justin Glodowski

Justin Glodowski

Former WCSS President, Marshfield HS
Host of the ENGAGE: Teaching the Social Studies Podcast!
Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
UNIV AB
  General Pedagogy, Middle & High School

1:45pm CDT

Updates with DPI Social Studies!
Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
CONF 4
Feedback Survey
Spend time with Kris McDaniel, Social Studies consultant for the WI DPI. We will discuss updates and plans, and as always, there is time for Q&A. Topics include: WI Civics Project, the Field Trip Template, the MS civics suggested S&S, place-based learning, the balanced representation project, and more!
Speakers
avatar for Kris McDaniel

Kris McDaniel

Social Studies Consultant, WI Dept of Public Instruction
I am the DPI Social Studies Consultant. My main work is to provide quality PD and resources to teachers and to connect organizations and districts. My main focus and passion, though, is helping social studies teachers in whatever they may need to provide amazing, rockstar instruc... Read More →
Friday March 14, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
CONF 4
  General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

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

Building the Wisconsin History Center
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
ASSEMBLY
Feedback Survey
If you could design a field trip to a museum, what would it look like? Join us for an information and prototyping session for the new Wisconsin History Center - set to open on Capitol Square in Madison in 2027. This new history center will explore the state's long history. Please share your ideas and interests, and find out more about how this exciting new history center is designed for learning.
Speakers
AP
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
ASSEMBLY
  General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

3:00pm CDT

Psychology in Real Life
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
CONF 1
Feedback Survey
Dive into projects that get students to apply theory to their own lives. Projects presented have been used successfully with students for over a decade and align with APA standards. At the end of the session, attendees will have access to the projects, including rubrics, that are easy to insert into the curriculum. Attendees will also begin crafting their own projects aligned with APA standards.
Speakers
avatar for Jeanne Schierstedt

Jeanne Schierstedt

Educator, Racine Unified School District
I've been teaching since 2000 and over the years I have taught LOT of subjects in high school social studies. My current courses are American government, psychology, and Native American history.  I've also been teaching a dual credit class through the PACC program since the program... Read More →
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
CONF 1
  General Social Studies, High School 9-12

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
 
Saturday, March 15
 

9:15am CDT

Unlocking the Bill of Rights Using QR Codes
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
UNIV AB
Feedback Survey
Join us as we share our unique approach to bring the Bill of Rights to life for today’s students. From engaging infographics to captivating lessons, along with interactive poster puzzles and beyond, we’ve got all the tools to make the Bill of Rights unforgettable.
Speakers
PC
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
UNIV AB
  Civics/Government, Middle School 6-8

9:15am CDT

Hands-on Econ: Bringing the Dismal Science to Life
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
CONF 4
Feedback Survey
Economics doesn’t have to be the dismal science! Participate in hands-on lessons and activities on key economic concepts of unemployment, inflation, GDP and trade and learn about free resources, from infographics and online courses to videos and podcasts, designed to engage students and spark learning in your economics classroom.
Speakers
LM

Lesley Mace

Economic Education Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank
.
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
CONF 4
  Economics, High School 9-12

9:15am CDT

Using the FIELD Guide to Engage Your Learners and Create Powerful Learning
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
ASSEMBLY
Feedback Survey
Powerful learning happens when we share powerful evidence, ask compelling questions, and integrate edtech tools into lesson designs! We’ll showcase beginner, moderate, & veteran-level exemplar lessons based on the FIELD Guide, all guaranteed to engage students with primary sources, inquiry, and tech tools. Leave with ready-to-use materials and planning strategies.
Speakers
JS
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
ASSEMBLY
  General Pedagogy, All Social Studies Educators

9:15am CDT

What Fires Together Wires Together: The Science of Simulations
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
CAUCUS
Feedback Survey
Discover how simulations engage students in active, meaningful learning by combining physical movement, creativity, and problem-solving with real-world applications. Explore the neuroscience behind simulations, learn how to design and implement them effectively, and leave with practical tools to make social studies truly matter in your classroom.
Speakers
BN
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
CAUCUS
  General Pedagogy, Middle & High School

9:30am CDT

Teaching Civil Discourse: building skills and attitudes for civility
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
UNIV AB
Feedback Survey
Civil discourse is a core skill to support civic engagement and democratic decision making. It also helps create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas, and can productively navigate disagreement. We will dig into how to define civil discourse, and how teachers in all subject areas and grade levels can teach the skills for civility.
Speakers
AT
Saturday March 15, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
UNIV AB
  Civics/Government, All Social Studies Educators

10:30am CDT

Citizen Nation: Civics Resources for Dialogue and Inquiry
Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 10:30am CDT
UNIV AB
Feedback Survey
How can students be a model for civil dialogue? How can teachers build student capacity through inquiry and discussion? The new PBS show Citizen Nation takes a behind the scenes look through the eyes of students participating in the “We The People” program to help build civic knowledge and skills.
Speakers
avatar for David Olson

David Olson

Director of Education, Retro Report
Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 10:30am CDT
UNIV AB
  General Pedagogy, All Social Studies Educators

10:30am CDT

Your Own Backyard: Using Place-Based Learning and Field Trips to Meet Standards and Increase Student Civic Engagement
Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
UNIV CD
Feedback Survey
Emphasize student-led inquiry and civic engagement through place-based learning! Learn how educators from organizations around the state built a template for teachers and historic sites to use field trips to meet social studies standards. How could you use this customizable template to increase student inquiry in your own backyard?
Speakers
avatar for Kris McDaniel

Kris McDaniel

Social Studies Consultant, WI Dept of Public Instruction
I am the DPI Social Studies Consultant. My main work is to provide quality PD and resources to teachers and to connect organizations and districts. My main focus and passion, though, is helping social studies teachers in whatever they may need to provide amazing, rockstar instruc... Read More →
Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
UNIV CD
  Civics/Government, All Social Studies Educators

1:15pm CDT

Contemporary Antisemitism
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
CONF 2
Feedback Survey
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
SG

Sam Goldberg

Holocaust Education Resource Center
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
CONF 2
  General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

1:15pm CDT

Human Impacts on Land and Sea: Hands-on Geography Activities
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
SENATE A
Feedback Survey
Discover hands-on approaches to teaching the dynamic interrelationships between people, places, and the environment. Themes include global population trends, natural resource use, and how human activities have changed our landscapes and oceans over time. Engage in modeling, simulations, and lively debate that make course topics come alive.
Speakers
avatar for Kaela Swanson

Kaela Swanson

Social Studies Teacher, School District of Ashland
I am a 8thgrade Social Studies teacher in Ashland, WI. By utilizing my adaptive teaching style, I connect lessons to the local area to help convey my learning objective. Incorporating local history into my lessons also helps educate my students about the original cultures and communities... Read More →
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
SENATE A
  Geography, Middle School 6-8

1:15pm CDT

Elevating Civil Rights Movement Voices from Past to Present
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
UNIV CD
Feedback Survey
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
avatar for Allan Carey

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

1:15pm CDT

Getting Nast-y with Political Cartoons in your classroom!
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
SENATE B
Feedback Survey
Help students understand history through political cartoons. Explore techniques for interpretation and analysis, opening a new world of primary documents. Empower students to grasp historical concepts effectively.
Speakers
LR
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
SENATE B
  US History, All Social Studies Educators

1:50pm CDT

Tackling Tough Dialogue
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:50pm - 2:20pm CDT
CONF 1
Feedback Survey
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
avatar for Cassandra Brooks
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:50pm - 2:20pm CDT
CONF 1
  General Pedagogy, All Social Studies Educators

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
Feedback Survey
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
avatar for Shawn McCusker

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

2:30pm CDT

Use AI Now!
Saturday March 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
SENATE B
Feedback Survey
Embrace AI and learn simple ways to use this powerful technology in your classroom now. This interactive session will demonstrate introductory ways you can use AI to create unique lessons, modify resources for special education students, and strategies to save you time. The time to use AI is NOW!!
Speakers
avatar for Dan Hoppe
Saturday March 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
SENATE B
  General Pedagogy, High School 9-12

2:30pm CDT

Visual Literacy: Democratic Principles Matter
Saturday March 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
CONF 4
Feedback Survey
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
DN
Saturday March 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
CONF 4
  General Social Studies, All Social Studies Educators

3:00pm CDT

Empowering Young Learners to Access Difficult Histories: Lessons From a Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Fourth Grade Holocaust Unit
Saturday March 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
CONF 3
Feedback Survey
This session will take elementary educators through two teachers’ collaboration around an interdisciplinary fourth grade Holocaust unit, addressing co-planning, social-emotional learning, content accessibility, and text accessibility as necessary pedagogical components. We will also offer teachers resources and time for reflection about how they might teach difficult histories to young learners.
Speakers
EG
IA
Saturday March 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
CONF 3
  Elementary, Elementary K-5
 
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