The Social Studies Professional | January 6, 2026 | No. 462
NCSS President Tina M. Ellsworth, Ph.D, welcomes you to the New Year with a preview of the weeks and months ahead!
2025-2026 NCSS Board of Directors and Officer Elections
The 2025-2026 NCSS Board of Directors and Officer election ballot is open as of December 8, 2025, and closes January 15, 2026. NCSS members in good standing as of October 15, 2025, are eligible to vote, and received instructions and credentials by email for accessing the online ballot starting December 8.
Power Up Your Instruction with Social Entrepreneurship!
Learn how to help your students turn passion into action. This January 27th webinar will provide an overview of the upcoming national NCSS Online Social Entrepreneurship Institute for Middle & High School Social Studies Teachers, along with free, classroom-ready resources, information on the Online Civic & Social Innovation Pitch Challenge, and optional opportunities to connect with humanitarian sites around the world. Register now.
Upcoming America250 Webinars with Center for Civic Education
The Center for Civic Education will be offering two free 60-Minute Civics webinars in early January 2026.
The Constitution as Living Document: Progress or Departure? January 7,2026 • 7 pm EST. Learn more and register.
60-Minute Civics: America 250: Reimagining 1776 for Today’s Classrooms January 15,2026 • 7 pm EST. Learn more and register.
Apply for a National Fellowship for K-12 Educators by January 31
Led by William & Mary and the National Council for History Education, We the Teachersis a national fellowshipthat prepares K-12 educators to lead the next chapter in American history/civic education. The three-part program includes:
Build your skills with 5-hour online microcourses, focusing on topics including historical inquiry, civil discourse, non-fiction reading strategies, and more; all accredited by the W&M School of Education.
A four-day, immersive Congress of Educators in Williamsburg, VA (July 27-30, 2026), featuring substantive and inspiring content and pedagogy sessions paired with place-based learning.
Lead a workshop and/or peer learning community in your state.
Participants will receive a $2,500 stipend for travel expenses and as a recognition of time and effort. Additionally, all lodging, food, and participation costs are fully funded. K-12 educators, education specialists, administrators, and curriculum supervisors are encouraged to apply. Special preferences will be given to current classroom teachers. Learn more and submit your application here by January 31, 2026.
Teaching the Early Republic through Women’s History
Join the Middle States Council for the Social Studies and the New York Historical online on January 20, 6 PM ET, for this free webinar! Participants will explore how women advocated for rights in the Early Republic and how these stories can enrich teaching about the nation’s founding, particularly as we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary and continue to elevate women’s history. Register now.
Global Competition in Economics for High School Students
The Economics Olympiad Americas Challenge is the world’s largest and most prestigious competition designed to test students’ knowledge of economics and financial literacy. It’s FREE to participate and easy for your school to join the competition. Top scoring students can earn expenses-paid trips to Guatemala for the Intercontinental Round and to Greece for the International Finals. Students must register by January 31, 2026
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