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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:
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
- The Uncommon Story: Notable North Carolinians
- Beyond the Exhibits: It's Revolutionary!
- OER Project Resources
AWARDS, GRANTS, AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
- Fourth Circuit 2024 Video & Art Contest Celebrating Bill of Rights Day
- Gilder Lehrman History: Teacher of the Year Award
- NCCSS Awards, Scholarships, and Grants
- Tryon Palace: Palace Scholars
OFFICE OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS: NEWS & UPDATES
- Subscribe and Connect with each Area in the Office of Academic Standards
New NCDPI Social Studies Resource or Opportunity
We invite you to explore the fundamentals of American democracy with this comprehensive list of resources curated to support K-12 social studies teachers in effectively teaching about elections and the electoral process. This resource provides fact-based, nonpartisan materials that promote civic awareness, critical thinking, and engagement with democratic principles. By using these resources, teachers can foster a safe, supportive, and unbiased learning environment where students are empowered to become informed, responsible, and engaged citizens. Whether you're planning lessons or preparing to facilitate enriching discussions, this resource can prepare the next generation for lifelong civic engagement and a sense of responsibility for their community.
Professional Development
Engage, Educate, Empower: Elevating K-12 Learning through
Global Perspectives Professional Development
Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM- 3:30 PM
FedEx Global Education Center, 301 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC
As we engage, educate, and empower the young people of North Carolina, how do we learn from other examples from around the world? What does engagement look like across cultures? What role does education play in making a more robust, peaceful, and prosperous global community?
The Area Studies Centers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction are thrilled to offer an incredible professional development opportunity as part of International Education Week (IEW) that is designed to enhance your global understanding and perspective and tackle these big questions with examples from culture, music, art, language, science, history, and other disciplines.
The focus of this year's event is "Engage, Educate, Empower: Elevating K-12 Learning through Global Perspectives". Expert speakers from UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and beyond have been lined up to unpack a variety of captivating topics and case studies from Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The aim of this professional development is to equip K-12 educators with innovative global education-related teaching materials and strategies that can be adapted to different K-12 subjects while aligning with North Carolina standards.
This workshop is for ALL educators, regardless of your content area or grade level. Educators who attend the in-person workshop on November 9 can earn 0.5 CEUs.
2024-25 World History Webinar Series!
Join us for this year’s five-part World History webinar series. This webinar series is designed for those teaching grades 6 and 7 world studies and high school world history, but all are encouraged to register, attend, and expand their knowledge. Each webinar is from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm.
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October 29: AI in the Classroom Discover how AI can revolutionize World history through interactive activities like historical role play, image creation, and critical thinking exercises, all enhanced with AI. 1.5 CEU Hours for Attending the LIVE Webinar
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January 28: Ancient Civilizations Explore the rich history of the Maya and Inca civilizations as you learn to create your own Maya codex. Receive instructions and guides for replicating this activity in your classroom. A must for all 6th and 7th grade social studies teachers! A plus for anyone who has ever taught World history. 1.5 CEU Hours for Attending the LIVE Webinar
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February 11: Art as a Teaching Tool Utilize the North Carolina Museum of Art's resources to incorporate historical works of art into your lessons across various world history topics. 1.5 CEU Hours for Attending the LIVE Webinar
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March 25: A Dark Chapter Examine the devastating impact of the Herero-Nama genocide, the first genocide of the 20th century and Germany's "dress rehearsal" for the atrocities of the Holocaust. 1.5 CEU Hours for Attending the LIVE Webinar
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April 1: Modern Russia Explore the modern history of Russia and its influence on global events through its interactions with neighboring countries. 1.5 CEU Hours for Attending the LIVE Webinar
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Apply to be a 2025 State and National School of Character
Has your school or district cultivated a supportive and caring community? Do you think your staff, students, and the larger community have successfully implemented the 11 Principles of Effective Character? Apply this fall for State or National School of Character and receive valuable insights and feedback to enhance your school culture regardless of the outcome. The School of Character Application deadline is November 8, 2024
If you need funding to apply please contact Justyn Burgess at Justyn.Burgess@dpi.nc.gov
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Don't Forget to Scroll Down for More Great Information!
National History Day®: Young People’s Continental Congress
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 13–19, 2025
National History Day® (NHD) and Carpenters’ Hall are excited to present the Young People’s Continental Congress (YPCC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 13–19, 2025. This unique program invites one student-teacher team from each state to explore the history and civics of our nation's founding, connecting with peers from across the country.
Participants will engage in an online learning experience from January to June 2025 and will then visit many of Philadelphia’s historic sites this summer. Travel costs are covered, and teams must apply by November 1, 2024. The program is open to students in grades 10-11 and teachers in grades 4-12.
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Online Course: Teaching the History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Using Primary Sources
Registration for the next cohort of the Institute for Curriculum Services (ICS) asynchronous online course, "Teaching the History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Using Primary Sources", has launched!
Unlock the power of professional learning at your own pace with our comprehensive course, tailored specifically for educators. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate for 5 professional development hours.
Enroll now and take the first step towards enriching your teaching practice! You will also have access to classroom-ready lesson plans, resources, and student facing activities.
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Don't Forget to Scroll Down for More Great Information!
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
The Uncommon Story: Notable North Carolinians
This is a video series produced with support from the NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
The Uncommon Story: Notable North Carolinians is a new series of videos designed to inspire greatness and educate students about some of the most notable people across our state. This project was produced by Thunder Mountain Media with a grant from the NC Department of Cultural Resources and licensed to PBS NC.
The series consists of 24 short (1-2 minute) videos that can be used by teachers to share with their students. The short nature of the videos make them ideal to show at the beginning of class, or they can be incorporated into lessons.
These short entertaining and educational videos are meant to inspire young people to go after their own greatness. They feature individuals from all different backgrounds who have found their paths in the world by chasing their dreams and overcoming obstacles on their way to making a difference.
The stories are told using fun visuals, graphics, and music, making the content perfect for motivating, educating, and inspiring students in schools across North Carolina. The content covers a variety of categories including STEM, arts, sports, business, and more.
Teachers may access this series of inspiring short stories that celebrates remarkable North Carolinians whose accomplishments have made a great impact, from scientists, inventors, and innovators to musicians, artists, and athletes at any of the following links:
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It's Revolutionary!: America 250
The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will be celebrated on July 4, 2026, with both festivities and reflection. This landmark document is marked a central point in history not only for colonists from Europe but also for Indigenous peoples, free people of color, enslaved individuals, and many other folks from different countries. Freedom meant different things to people then, in the following 250 years, and now. The journey toward liberty did not end with the culmination of the Revolutionary War in 1783, it continues.
The NC Museum of History: Beyond Exhibit's initiative, "It's Revolutionary!" highlights diverse perspectives from that era and encourages exploration of history. They are offering resources such as Tar Heel Junior Historian magazines, an Educator Notebook, videos, online workshops, and a History-In-a-Box kit to bring history alive for students and families in North Carolina and beyond. "It's Revolutionary!" can inspire you to see how the past shapes our present and future, and that you, too, are making history!
Learn More!
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OER Project Resources
The OER Project offers FREE complete social studies courses aligned to state standards. The curricula are created by teachers and scholars. They offer FREE complete social studies courses aligned to state standards. Explore their teaching materials, planning resources, professional-development offerings, and helpful online teacher community.
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Don't Forget to Scroll Down for More Great Information!
AWARDS, GRANTS, AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Fourth Circuit 2024 Video & Art Contest Celebrating Bill of Rights Day
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is pleased to announce that the 2024 video and art contest celebrating Bill of Rights Day is now open to all students currently in grades 6 through 12 from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Grades 9-12: Students have the opportunity to win one of three cash prizes: first place, $1,000; second place, $750; and third place, $500.
- Grades 6–8: Students have the opportunity to win one of three cash prizes: first place, $250; second place, $175; and third place, $100.
Deadline: Entry form and artist statements must be submitted by Friday, November 1, 2024. Winners will be announced the first week in December.
For additional information, questions to consider, and instructions on how to submit your entry and artist statement, visit www.ca4.uscourts.gov/art-contest. For questions, contact civics@ca4.uscourts.gov or call 703-518-8180.
Please note: Prior winners of any Fourth Circuit-sponsored contest as well as children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and members of the household of a federal judge or federal judiciary employee may not participate in the competition.
Gilder Lehrman History: Teacher of the Year Award
The 2024 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year Award honors 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.
Colin Richardson is North Carolina's
2024 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year!
Colin Richardson is an engaging and dedicated teaches AP US History and Honors Sociology at his beloved alma mater, Green Hope High School in Cary, North Carolina. He obtained undergraduate and master's degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill, and he brought his expertise to the classrooms in Houston, Texas before returning to North Carolina. Colin actively contributes to his school's Improvement and Equity Teams and serves as a faculty representative for PTSA, demonstrating his commitment to the academic community. A respected figure in academic circles, he is a frequent presenter at the North Carolina Council for the Social Studies conference, where he recently showcased his innovative work in establishing and spearheading an Asian American Oral History Project. When not shaping young minds, Colin finds joy in quality time with his wife, cherished friends, and keeping up with the boundless energy of his two young children at the local park.
Would you like to nominate an eligible teacher?
Nominations for the 2025 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors may nominate K-12 teachers for the award.
Key Deadlines for 2025 Nominations
Deadline for 2025 nominations: April 30, 2025
Deadline for 2025 nominees to submit supporting materials: May 31, 2025
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Don't Forget to Scroll Down for More Great Information!
NCCSS Awards, Scholarships, and Grants
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Tryon Palace: Palace Scholars
Tryon Palace invites all educators at Title I schools in North Carolina to apply for a field trip award. Palace Scholars is an educational program which ensures that all students and educators regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to benefit from multidisciplinary programs and field trip opportunities to Tryon Palace. This program hopes to connect present and future North Carolinians with their state history in an engaging learning format.
Applications are now available and will be accepted throughout the school year. For questions, please call 252-639-3524, or email palacescholars@tryonpalace.org.
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Office of Academic Standards News & Updates
Subscribe and Connect with each Area in the Office of Academic Standards
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Sign up today to receive newsletters and announcements from the area(s) or topic(s) of your choice.
IYMI: Check Out Some of the Latest Newsletters from the Office of Academic Standards
Spread the word!
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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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