The Social Studies Professional | May 19, 2026 | No. 470
NCSS Executive Director Kelly Mcfarland Stratman announces that registration is open for the 106th NCSS Annual Conference! Register here by June 30 to lock in our Early Bird rate and secure your spot for Chicago this December.
Free Online Author Q&A with Penguin Random House Education
American Wings follows a group of pioneering Black Americans who built a flying club and pilot school near Chicago, training both Black and white students together during the era of military segregation. All educators are invited to attend an online conversation with award-winning author Sherri L. Smith, moderated by Dr. Karen Burgard on May 21 at 7 PM ET.Save your spot.
Prioritizing Students with Disabilities in AI Policy
Educating All Learners Alliance and New America’s latest policy brief, “Prioritizing Students with Disabilities in AI,” provides a roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, students, and families to navigate this new AI landscape and ensure no student is an afterthought. View or download the brief here.
Introducing Podcasting Democracy, the just-released, free Constitution unit from KQED Education. Strengthen student voice and civic readiness in your classroom!
Sponsored by KQED Education
Virtual and In-Person Attendance Available for Free Summit
Join thousands of educators and museum leaders in D.C. or virtually at the free Smithsonian National Education Summit: “Together We Thrive: Towards a More Perfect Union.” With 40+ sessions led by Smithsonian educators, the free multi-day event will unite leading voices exploring themes tied to our nation’s 250th anniversary. Learn more and register here.
The New Annotated NCSS/CBC Notable Books List is Online
The NCSS Notable Social Studies Books list goes beyond a simple title roundup, and does the curriculum work for you. Every listing includes a reading level, and explicit alignment to the NCSS Curriculum Standards thematic strands, so you can see at a glance how each book connects to Culture, Civic Ideals, Power and Governance, Global Connections, and more.
Every entry includes a descriptive annotation, grade-level guidance, and direct connections to NCSS thematic strands, so you can move from discovery to lesson planning in minutes. View it now in the latest issue of Social Education.
A Paid Civic Leadership Experience for High School Students
The Carnegie Youth Fellowship brings together high school students from across the country to explore civic issues, exchange perspectives, and lead meaningful change. Fellows collaborate, conduct research, and amplify youth voice in shaping the future of civic learning and engagement. Applications for the 2026–27 cohort close May 31, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
Upcoming Learning with NCSS
Podcasting Democracyis a game-changing way to teach the Constitution. Engage students through media creation and modern application of constitutional principles. Includes DAILY slides, free PD workshops & more! Sponsored by KQED Education
