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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: Student Civic Engagement clear filter
Friday, March 14
 

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

Jury Education and Teaching the Judicial System
Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
SENATE B
Feedback Survey
Engage in a train-the-trainer session to deepen learning about how juries work and why they are so integral to our overall judicial system. This session will entail an overview of what juries are, why they exist, and how everyday Americans can participate in the judicial process through jury duty.
This session will be led by The Juror Project: an initiative aiming to increase the diversity of jury panels while changing and challenging people’s perspective of jury duty.
Speakers
WS
Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
SENATE B
  Civics/Government, All Social Studies Educators

9:45am CDT

MKE Roots: Democratizing Local History
Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
CONF 2
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MKE Roots is a place-based, inquiry-centered approach to teaching the history and civic engagement of Milwaukee’s communities—especially its communities of color, indigenous nations, and other historically marginalized communities. MKE Roots aims to empower students see themselves within the civic landscape of our city. This session will highlight MKE Curriculum and its implementation.
Speakers
RS
Friday March 14, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
CONF 2
  US History, High School 9-12

12:30pm CDT

Panel Discussion - Jury Education and Teaching the Judicial System
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
SENATE A
Feedback Survey
Engage in a train-the-trainer session to deepen learning about how juries work and why they are so integral to our overall judicial system. This session will entail an overview of what juries are, why they exist, and how everyday Americans can participate in the judicial process through jury duty.
This session will be led by The Juror Project: an initiative aiming to increase the diversity of jury panels while changing and challenging people’s perspective of jury duty.
Speakers
WS
Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
SENATE A
  Civics/Government, All Social Studies Educators

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

Make Civics Come Alive
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
SENATE B
Feedback Survey
Attendees will learn how to access primary source documents and ready made lessons from the National Archives
Speakers
JD
Friday March 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
SENATE B
  Civics/Government, 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
 
Saturday, March 15
 

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

ENGAGE: Building Global Citizenship Through Human Rights and Genocide Education
Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
CONF 1
Feedback Survey
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
avatar for Justin Glodowski

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
CONF 1
  Civics/Government, High School 9-12

10:30am CDT

Bringing Local History and Civics to Life with Beacon, a new Game for Place-Based Learning
Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
CONF 4
Feedback Survey
Dive into the power of place-based learning with Beacon, a location-based game currently in development that makes civics and history education engaging, accessible, and relevant for students... all with a low lift for teachers! Participants will give feedback on the game and collaboratively brainstorm modules to address critical gaps in local civics curriculum in Wisconsin.
Speakers
avatar for Libby Falck

Libby Falck

Curriculum & Game Designer, Forward Games
Saturday March 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
CONF 4
  Civics/Government, MS and HS

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

1:15pm CDT

WI Civics Fellows in Action: Projects Around the State
Saturday March 15, 2025 1:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
ASSEMBLY
Feedback Survey
The Civics Fellows are classroom teachers from across WI who have been working to build knowledge and communities of practice for civics. Each Fellow has a personal project they have been working on and they'd like to share their work with you! Project examples include civic engagement in the classroom, teacher community and mentorship, and community/place-based learning.
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 1:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
ASSEMBLY
  Civics/Government, 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
 
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