ICSS Annual Conference

Mark your calendars and save the date for an enriching and inspiring day at the Indiana Council for the Social Studies (ICSS) Annual Conference, scheduled for November 8th at Indiana University Columbus (IUC). This year’s theme, “Back Home Again,” invites educators, students, and professionals to delve into the essence of Indiana’s rich heritage and the pivotal role of social studies in shaping informed, engaged citizens. Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to enhance our understanding and appreciation of civic engagement and social responsibility. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers and leaders in the field as we explore the past, present, and future of social studies education in the Hoosier state.

When: Friday, November 8th, 2024
Where: Indiana University Columbus | Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Ave., Columbus, IN 47203

Introducing Our Keynote Speaker, Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush

We are honored to welcome Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush of the Indiana Supreme Court as the keynote speaker for the ICSS Annual Conference. As the first woman to serve in this prestigious role, Chief Justice Rush’s groundbreaking career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to justice, education, and the well-being of Indiana’s communities. Her leadership in addressing critical issues such as juvenile justice reform, the opioid crisis, and the advancement of court technology exemplifies the conference’s theme, “Back Home Again,” highlighting the importance of coming together to build a stronger, more informed society. Chief Justice Rush’s insights and experiences promise to inspire and challenge us all, making this a keynote address you won’t want to miss. More Information

Sessions

The upcoming conference offers a diverse range of sessions designed to inspire educators, expand their pedagogical approaches, and deepen their understanding of critical civic and historical issues. Sessions throughout the day will explore topics such as leveraging technology to enhance student learning, fostering inclusive classroom discussions, and investigating historical and civic literacy. Participants will have the opportunity to learn practical strategies for empowering students in essay writing with the help of AI, engage with Indiana’s rich history, and gain insights into diverse cultural experiences through a variety of interactive presentations. From archaeology to U.S. immigration history, these sessions are geared toward providing educators with innovative tools and knowledge that they can bring back to their classrooms to enrich student engagement and learning outcomes. This is not a complete list, but it offers a glimpse of the valuable learning opportunities available at the conference.

The Effects of Civic Disposition and Supporting Services on Achievement Gap – Chen Chen, Ph.D. Candidate, Purdue University
Origin of Indiana State Flag – David B. Reddick
Project Archaeology – H. Kory Cooper, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, Purdue University
Developing Civic Literacy Through Classroom Discussion of Controversial Issues – Sarah Denney, Assistant Professor of Secondary Education, University of Indianapolis
How to Travel for Almost Free and Gain Place-Based Knowledge – Becky Stoltzfus, Madison Fellow ’19, Kokomo High School, Retro Report, ICivics Ednet Teacher
Leveraging Technology to Enhance Literacy and Writing Instruction – Jasmine Jackson, The DBQ Project
Opening Minds for an Inclusive and Diverse Democracy – Dawn Walker-Seyerle and Stephanie Cayot Serriere, Global Deliberations Collaborative
Throwing Indiana a Party! – Lori Grant Feliciano, Classroom Teacher, Cold Spring School at Marian University
AI to the Rescue: Empowering Student Essay Writing Without Teacher Burnout – Jeff Swisher, Classroom Teacher, Griffith High School
Investigating Identity Through the Jewish American Experience – Dori Gerber, Director of Professional Learning, Institute for Curriculum Services
What Do You Know About U.S. Immigration History? – Lori Rech, Manager of Programs, Bill of Rights Institute

Exhibitors

The conference will feature a diverse group of exhibitors, each offering valuable educational resources and tools to enhance classroom instruction and student engagement. From Studies Weekly, providing K-6 standards-based curriculum materials, to The DBQ Project, which helps students develop critical thinking through document-based questions, educators will have access to a wide range of innovative products. Imagine Learning will showcase digital learning solutions, while Project Archaeology focuses on teaching cultural heritage through archaeology. Teaching American History and the Indiana State Library will provide history-related resources and research tools. Social Studies School Service supports history and government education, and the Indiana University Center for Representative Government offers civic education resources aimed at improving students’ understanding of democracy. This is only a partial list of the exhibitors who will be present, ensuring a comprehensive showcase of educational tools and programs.

Indiana University Center for Representative Government
Provides nonpartisan educational resources aimed at enhancing civic education and fostering a better understanding of government and democracy.
Studies Weekly
A curriculum provider that offers engaging, standards-based resources for K-6 social studies, science, and wellness.
The DBQ Project
Provides educational materials designed to help students develop critical thinking skills through document-based questions (DBQs).
Imagine Learning
A leading provider of digital learning solutions that support literacy, language development, and other subject areas for students in grades PreK-12.
Project Archaeology
A national educational organization focused on teaching students about cultural heritage and science through archaeology.
Teaching American History
Offers a variety of resources and professional development opportunities aimed at enriching the teaching and learning of American history.
Indiana State Library
Provides access to information, research tools, and educational resources to educators, students, and the public across Indiana.
Social Studies School Service
Supplies educators with quality teaching materials and resources to support history, government, and social studies instruction.

Attend

Indiana Council for the Social Studies is excited to welcome our members and all social studies educators, administrators, and specialists from across the state to our Annual Conference.

Exhibit

Exhibiting at the ICSS Annual Conference will put you in touch with classroom teachers, leaders, and other decision makers in social studies education.

Speak

This is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise and contribute to the advancement of social studies education in Indiana.

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