Join us on Saturday, March 23, for a half day of talks focused on foundational instructional practices viewed through a social studies lens that is also universally applicable across subject areas. Learn more about our presenters on the Speakers page.
8:35 a.m. PT / 11:35 a.m. ET
Making Space for Students’ Languages
Tan Huyn, Educator, School of Phnom Penh; Huynh Consulting, LLC
Our multilingual learners come with a treasure trove of untapped possibilities. The languages they speak are assets they can use to better understand the content of lessons. In this keynote, Tan will share research on integrating students' languages into your instruction and share practical examples you can employ today. The session explores the impact this approach can have on students' learning and on their confidence.
9:50 a.m. PT/ 12:50 p.m. ET
Transcending and Connecting Our Differences to Teach Inclusive Social Studies
Natalie Martinez, Educator, Central New Mexico Community College
Have you ever wondered how other groups of people might have experienced history differently than the textbook narrative? This session focuses on inclusive teaching practices to uplift marginalized and omitted voices in our social studies classrooms. Dr. Martinez will share many of the strategies used in her curriculum guide for the Reese and Mendoza adaptation of An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People. She will offer participants ideas to help transcend differences and connect learners using multiple perspectives in our classrooms.
10:50 a.m. PT/ 1:50 p.m. ET
Empowering Disenfranchised Learners Through a Culture of Thinking
Erika Lusky, Instructional Coach, Bloomfield Hills Schools, Michigan, USA
Julie Rains, Instructional Innovation Program Consultant, Rochester Community Schools, Michigan, USA
Today's classrooms are made up of diverse learners, some of whom traditional schooling struggles to reach. Join Erika Lusky and Julie Rains as they explore ways to scaffold more equitable discussions in the classroom. By moving from a culture of compliance to a more engaging way of learning that promotes critical thinking, we can move toward a better understanding of ourselves and our world.
11:55 a.m. PT / 2:55 p.m. ET
The Case for Climate Optimism
Molly Sinnott, Educator/Editor, OER Project
It can be difficult to find good news when it comes to climate change. Not only does bad news tend to make headlines, there are plenty of climate disasters that do deserve our attention. But there’s also reason to be optimistic about climate innovations and progress—and we need to maintain hope in order to generate action. So how do we teach about climate change in an honest way, that acknowledges the realities of a scary situation, but also equips students with an informed and optimistic outlook that will make them ready to tackle this challenge? Hear how one teacher approaches this delicate balance in his classroom. Molly will be in discussion with Adam Esrig, Teacher, NYC Department of Education.
12:50 p.m. PT / 3:50 p.m. ET
Closing Remarks
Ebony McKiver
