The Social Studies Professional | February 17, 2026 | No. 464
NCSS Executive Director Kelly McFarland Stratman encourages you to explore upcoming professional learning opportunities - because Social Studies is 365 days a year.
NCSS would like to congratulate the winners of our 105th Annual Conference Post-Event Survey Drawing. Tracy Van Nest of Pennsylvania and Sarah Mason of Maryland have each won a free registration for this year's conference in Chicago!
The NCSS FASSE Award Season is Now Open for Nominations
The time to honor excellence is now! Browse our awards, review the relevant criteria, and nominate yourself and others for recognition. Submissions are due June 30, 2026. NCSS Awards are supported by the Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies (FASSE), created in 1984 by the NCSS Board of Directors to support research and classroom application projects which improve social studies education and promote engaged, effective citizens. Find out more information here and donate to the fund here.
Share Your Ideas on the National Stage at #NCSS2026
Just over one week remains to submit a proposal to present at the 106th NCSS Annual Conference, taking place December 4-6, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, IL. This year's theme defines the very heartbeat of our profession: Social Studies 365. Proposals are due February 25, 2026 at 11:59 HST.
Student and Teacher Summer Fellowships at the MA Historical Society
The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) is proud to offer a range offellowship opportunities for K-12 educators and high school students to explore a topic of their choice in ourworld-renowned collections. Founded in 1791, the MHS tells diverse stories of our nation and its people through millions of documents, artifacts, and images.
Teachers: We offer a range of fellowships with stipends from $3,000-$6,000. One fellowship will be prioritized for a teacher in their first five years.
HS Students: Individual or group completes a two-month summer project; comes with a $1,000 stipend plus an additional $1,000 for a teacher advisor.
Mark Your Calendars for Civic Learning Week, March 9–13, 2026
Join educators, administrators, and schools across the country for Civic Learning Week to celebrate civic education and mobilize a movement to make it a national priority.
Student Opportunities from the Gilder Lehrman Institute
The 2026 Citizenship Challenge is now open! Students in grades 3-12 can submit an original question they believe should be added to the US Citizenship exam. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to creatively showcase their understanding of American history and civics. Winners receive a $500 prize!
Entries are accepted through Friday, March 13, 2026. Learn more.
Meanwhile, High school students attending a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School are encouraged to participate in the 2026 David McCullough Essay Prizes Contest. Submissions will be accepted through June 22, 2026 at 8pm ET. Winners will receive a cash prize of up to $5,000. Learn more.
The movement to make civic education a priority across the nation starts with you! Let us know how you are honoring Civic Learning Week in your classroom. Submit your activity!
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The Social Studies Professional — known as TSSP — is the official
e-newsletter of National Council for the Social Studies and is published twice a month.
