This update contains the latest announcements and current news impacting K-12 Social Studies in North Carolina public schools. As always, we encourage those of you who receive the updates to please share this issue with others who are not currently subscribed to our listserv. To receive Social Studies Updates please sign up using the link Social Studies Listerv Update or follow us on Twitter.
Update includes:
OFFICE OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS UPDATES
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND GRANTS
NCDPI Office of Academic Standards
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Academic Standards Yearlong Look
The Office of Academic Standards is excited to share a yearlong look of upcoming webinars, resources, and leaders’ meetings. This link will stay live and will be updated periodically. Please share!
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New Resource: LIS and Content Area Practices
This document aims to provide teachers of all content areas with an understanding of how current domains of instructional practice found within the content areas align with the LIS. Since the alignment between the LIS and instructional practices in various content areas exists, all educators, regardless of their discipline, participate in literacy instruction.
Teachers should reference this document when planning content area and literacy instruction to ensure students are fully meeting the demands of the NCSCOS.
Link to PDF
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Subscribe and Connect with each Area in the Office of Academic Standards
Do you want to stay up to date on the latest news, opportunities, resources, standards updates, etc. from one or more of the NCDPI Office of Academic Standards content areas?
Sign up today to receive newsletters and announcements from the area(s) or topic(s) of your choice.
Spread the word about how to Stay Informed and Connected!
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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Webinar: Integrating Self and Social Awareness Skills In Your Classroom
Febuary 21, 2024, 4-5 pm EST
Join our 2023-2024 webinar series dedicated to integrating Character Education and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into your social studies curriculum. The third webinar in our series will focus on Self and Social Awareness. In this session, discover effective strategies to help your students develop a deep understanding of themselves and others, fostering empathy, emotional intelligence, and positive social interactions.
Register Now
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NCDPI K-12 Social Studies: On-Demand Professional Learning Sessions
The implementation of the NC Social Studies Standards began in the fall of 2021. As the Office of Academic Standards continues to strengthen its vision and mission to support districts, schools, and teachers, the NCDPI K-12 Social Studies team has added several additional on-demand recordings to its professional development menu of professional learning sessions. Using the link provided will allow educators to access all on-demand opportunities, including the ones listed.
Some of Our On-Demand PD Sessions
- Integrating the Inquiry/Skills Indicators
- Spotlight on EPF featuring Guilford County Schools, and NGPF
- K-5 Social Studies and ELA Integration Part One: Building the Case for Social Studies in K-5
- Teaching the Standards for Founding Principles: Civic Literacy
- American History
- World History Webinar Series
- Teaching Social Studies with Primary Sources
- One-Stop Shop: Refresher on the SS Standards & Supports and Onboarding Materials ...
- Understanding the ECS and OCS Standards requirements for Social Studies
- ELD & SS Webinar - Addressing the Needs of English Language Learners
Access all available Professional Learning Sessions by using the link
in the title of the session and the password: Socialstudies!1
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NCDPI WORLD HISTORY WEBINAR SERIES - Session #3 “The History of European Antisemitism”
Tuesday, February 20 – 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
The History of European Antisemitism is the third webinar in the World History Webinar Series for the 2023-24 school year.
The Holocaust is an incredibly important topic for school curriculum. But, often, students are left with an unclear picture of how antisemitism developed, long before the Holocaust took place. This session has been designed to help educators (7th grade and World History) build and enhance their understanding of the complex history of antisemitism in Europe prior to the Holocaust and build connections between historical and modern forms of antisemitism. This webinar will outline the historical origins of antisemitism, will organize antisemitism into four district categories, and provide both historical and modern examples of each of the four types of antisemitism, all while utilizing many of the robust primary source activities that teachers can take to the classroom.
Each session is 2-hours (.2 CEUs). CEU certificates will be awarded at the end of the series. Attendees will get credit for each session attended. Attendance at all five sessions will earn a total of 1.0 CEUs.
Register today, using this link: https://tinyurl.com/HistoryofAntsemitism
Flyer - NCDPI WORLD HISTORY SERIES - HISTORY OF EUROPEAN ANTISEMITISM - FEBRUARY 20TH WEBINAR.docx.pdf
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The 2024 NC Social Studies Conference
February 22-23, 2024 Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC
The North Carolina Council for the Social Studies is an organization that serves its members and provides support to social studies educators. Each year, NCCSS invites K-16 educators from across North Carolina to come to their conference. The conference is two days of amazing sessions, fun networking opportunities, and more! The NCDPI Social Studies consultants will be presenting multiple sessions at this year’s conference. Register to attend and join them for the INFORMATIVE, AMAZING & ENGAGING sessions they have planned!
Visit the NCCSS website to learn more about:
- Registering for the state social studies conference
- Presenting a session at the conference
- Nominating yourself or a colleague to serve on the NCCSS Board
- Applying for awards, grants, and scholarships
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National Endowment for the Humanities: Summer Teacher Institute on Wilmington 1898
July 8-19, 2024
Are you a middle or high school teacher interested in learning about the 1898 Wilmington coup and massacre? The National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Teacher Institute and UNCW are offering a two-week residential workshop from July 8-19, 2024, focusing on this important historical event.
The workshop will feature leading scholars, filmmakers, descendants, and authors, as well as a variety of activities and tours of relevant locations throughout the Port City. Participants will also design curricula to implement in their own classrooms.
Not only will this workshop provide valuable knowledge and resources, but participants will also receive a $2200 stipend and a certificate for 80 contact hours. Breakfasts and lunches will be provided.
You are encouraged to apply and share this opportunity with your fellow educators. The deadline to apply is March 5th, 2024.
For more information and to view the application visit, https://www.wilmington1898geographies.org.
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NCDPI and Ashbrook Center Seminar: American Middle East Policy: 1970’s – War on Terror
On Saturday, March 9th, from 8:30 AM to 2:15 PM, NCDPI and the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University are hosting a one-day seminar in Brunswick County for social studies teachers. The seminar will focus on American Middle East policy from the 1970s to the War on Terror, and will be based on primary source documents.
A light breakfast and box lunch will be provided for participants, along with a certificate for 8 contact hours towards CEUs. There is no cost for this professional development opportunity, but hurry and register quickly as space is limited. Access Session Materials
REGISTER TODAY
Please view the flyer for additional details: 2024.03.09 Info Sheet NCDPI US Middle East Policy.docx
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National Humanities Center: Summer Institute
July 8-12, 2024
The National Humanities Center is partnering with the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice at Prairie View A&M University to host the third annual “Teaching African American Studies Summer Institute”. During this week-long institute, participants will engage with literature and poetry, primary sources, and the historical record to center Black women in the African American identity.
All current K–12 educators are eligible for this program. However, this institute is primarily designed for middle grades (6–8) and secondary level (9–12) educators. The program will provide an immersive, hands-on learning experience to better understand the approaches and the historical perspective required to create and teach African American studies. Each day’s sessions will include readings and viewings, primary source analysis, and expert scholarship from NHC Fellows and other scholars of African American studies.
Participants will be selected from a competitive application pool. Each participant will receive reimbursement for travel and a stipend upon the successful completion of the institute.
Applications are due no later than March 1, 2024.
For more information about the application process, please send an email or visit NHC website.
Want to earn take online courses and earn CEUs? For more information, email, info@nationalhumanitiescenter.org.
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INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
Celebrating Black History Month
“February is Black History Month. During this month, we celebrate Black Americans, past and present, who have made indelible contributions on the United States and North Carolina history with their artistry, professional achievements, and community activism.”
~NC Public Schools
February is Black History Month! It originally started as only a week-long celebration beginning in 1926. The celebration was created by prominent African American scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson. The month of February was chosen to recognize the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Many colleges started having month long events instead of the original week long celebration. In 1976, President Ford officially extended the recognition of Black history to a month long event. Here are some resources you can use during the month and beyond:
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AfricanAmericanHistoryMonth.gov has exhibits, collections, audio, video, primary documents and images from The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial.
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NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources: Check here for lists of events in the Eastern, Western, and Piedmont regions of NC! Events include musical performances, exhibits, and virtual or on site visits to places significant in NC African American culture.
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Online Exhibit and Programs on Black History at the NC Museum of History
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State Library of North Carolina
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February Character Challenge: #KindnessMattersNC
"🌟 Embrace the spirit of kindness throughout February with our #KindnessMattersNC Challenge! Inspired by the heartwarming stories shared by Steve Hartman, this month-long initiative encourages teachers, leaders, students, and families to engage in daily acts of kindness. Whether integrated into morning meetings and content area classes, each day presents an opportunity for reflection, writing, and fostering a culture of compassion.
📝 Access daily videos and journal prompts to guide your reflections.
🗓️ Mark your calendars! Random Act of Kindness Day is celebrated on February 17 every year. We're extending the celebration throughout the month, making February dedicated to spreading kindness.
📸 Share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #KindnessMattersNC! Teachers and leaders are encouraged to spread positivity by showing how kindness has impacted the school or encouraging students to create their own kindness videos—just like Steve Hartman! Educators can submit evidence of school initiatives or student work to NCDPI using the link provided. Your submissions may be featured on our NCDPI social media, newsletters, and website. Also, be sure to share your experiences on your social media using the hashtag #KindnessMattersNC!
Let's celebrate February with kindness, compassion, and uplifting stories. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond our classrooms. #KindnessMattersNC
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W!se Financial Literacy Certification Program
The W!se Financial Literacy Certification Program is an award-winning initiative that supports personal finance instruction in high schools and empowers students to become Certified Financially Literate. Participating schools teach a course or unit on personal finance and then administer their nationally-standardized Certification Test. The Test is aligned with the North Carolina high school course requirement for economics and personal finance and assesses students’ knowledge of personal finance topics, including money, credit, banking, insurance and investing. W!se Financial is pleased to offer you the program free of charge if you register in February.
To take advantage of this promotional offer or for more information, please contact Dario Stipisic at dstipisic@wise-ny.org.
Please note that these resources are not required for use. See disclaimer below.
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Discover "Seeing Auschwitz" at The Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Exhibit!
February 9-April 14
Experience history firsthand at the North American debut of the "Seeing Auschwitz" exhibition, now open in Charlotte, NC. Presented by The Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education, this powerful showcase features 100 photographs, sketches, and testimonies from the German Nazi camp Auschwitz and the Holocaust era.
As educators passionate about social studies, you are invited to come explore the profound impact of history through this immersive exhibition. You will gain insights into the perspectives of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders, prompting reflection on the relevance of these experiences in today's world.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with history and broaden your understanding of the human experience.
The Nine Eighteen Nine Gallery
Visual and Performing Arts Center
700 N. Tryon Street
Charlotte NC 28202
Learn more
AWARDS, GRANTS, AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
The Governor’s Educator Discovery Award
The Governor’s Educator Discovery Awards recognize the value of quality professional development for teachers at all phases of their careers. The program will provide a stipend of up to $1,000 for preK-12 traditional public and public charter school teachers to pursue a professional development experience of their choosing. Teachers can use the grant award to attend a workshop or conference that deepens their subject area knowledge, such as a coding workshop for computer science teachers, or a session on how to create a project-based learning experience for students. Applicants need to describe how their participation in the professional development experience will enhance their efforts to create a work-based learning activity for their students.
Applications are currently open and are due by Monday, February 19, 2024 at 11:59pm.
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Are you looking for a unique opportunity for this summer?
Teaching Positions Open for the 2024 Session of NC Governor’s School!
Come and work with talented and intellectually engaged high school students in a thriving learning community this summer – without grades!
NCDPI is specifically seeking creative, engaging teachers. This is an opportunity to play a role in shaping a life-changing summer for these amazing students. More information can be found on the employment page of our Governor’s School Website. Teachers are needed for both Governor’s School campuses, hosted by Greensboro College and Meredith College. GS is currently seeking instructors for Spanish, English, Math, Science, Area II/Philosophy, and Instrumental Music classes.
Governor’s School will take place June 23-July 20, with faculty arriving on June 17 to begin orientation. They will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews in the coming weeks. If you have questions regarding any openings, reach out to us at ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov. They look forward to hearing from you!
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2024 Gilder Lehrman North Carolina History Teacher of the Year
The Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year award will honor exceptional elementary and secondary school American history teachers (including state and local history). The national winner receives a $10,000 prize presented at an award ceremony in their honor in New York City. State winners receive a $1,000 prize, an archive of classroom resources, and recognition at a ceremony in their state.
Nominations for the 2024 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors may nominate K-12 teachers for the award by visiting gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy.
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES
- Deadline for 2023 nominations: April 30, 2024
- Deadline for 2023 nominees to submit supporting materials: May 31, 2024
For more information, visit the eligibility page.
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Project Yellow Light: Scholarship Opportunity for High School Students
Project Yellow Light/Hunter Garner Scholarship is a scholarship competition designed to bring about change. As an applicant you have one clear mission: encourage your peers to develop and embrace safe driving habits.
For the video competition: For both the high school and college categories, the winner will receive a scholarship in the amount of $8,000. Videos are due April 1. Sample Videos
For the billboard competition: For both high school and college categories, the winner will receive a scholarship in the amount of $2,000. Billboard designs are due March 1.
For the radio competition: For both high school and college categories, the winner will receive a scholarship in the amount of $2,000. Recordings are due April 1.
In addition to a scholarship, the winning video may be turned into an Ad Council PSA and distributed nationally to approximately 1,800 TV stations. The winning design may be turned into a billboard and displayed on Clear Channel Outdoor digital billboards across the U.S. The winning radio spot may be shared on iHeartRadio's national network and radio stations across the U.S.
Here’s what they're looking for: A video, billboard design or radio spot created to motivate, persuade and encourage your peers to not drive distracted. You have a unique opportunity to play a key role in spreading this important message. You can speak to your peers on this subject in a way that adults cannot. The more lives you can impact, the more lives you can save.
The Project Yellow Light/Hunter Scholarship runs annually.
If you're interested in applying for the scholarship, you can Start Here | Apply Here.
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Awards from the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
Applications are now open!
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Teacher of the Year: NCSS honors excellence in the social studies classroom with its Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Level Teacher of the Year Awards. Recipients are awarded a sum of $2,500 and a one-year comprehensive membership to NCSS.
- The Award for Global Understanding, given in Honor of James M. Becker, recognizes a social studies educator (or a team of educators) who has made notable contributions in helping social studies students increase their understanding of the world (Global Education).
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Research Awards are designed to recognize substantive scholarly inquiry in social studies education:
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The NCSS Outstanding Service Award recognizes and honors one or more NCSS members for outstanding long-term service to NCSS and a local, state, and regional council. Award winners receive a plaque or other appropriate recognition and will be granted lifetime membership in NCSS.
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Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award: Christa McAuliffe was an innovative social studies teacher who reached for the stars in an effort to make her dream of space travel a reality. The award ($2,500 grant) was established to help classroom teachers "reach for the stars" and achieve a dream that under ordinary circumstances would not be fulfilled.
- The Grant for the Enhancement of Geographic Literacy was created to promote geography education in schools; to enhance the geographic literacy of students at the classroom, district, or statewide level; and to encourage the integration of geography into the social studies curriculum/classroom.
Disclaimer Statement
Because North Carolina is a local-control state, all curricular decisions are approved at the local level. Prior to implementing any of the materials, teachers should follow appropriate policies and procedures to have content vetted and approved by their school and district leaders.
The links on this resource could bring you to third-party websites, owned and operated by independent parties over which NCDPI has no control. Any link you make to or from these 3rd Party Websites will be at your own risk. Any use of these 3rd Party Websites and any information you provide will be subject to and governed by the terms of the 3rd Party Website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy, and security.
Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, NCDPI is not in any way associated with the owner or operator of any of the 3rd Party Websites or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd Party Websites. NCDPI does not endorse and makes no warranties, representations, or undertakings relating to the content of any 3rd Party Website.
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