Welcome to the October social science newsletter. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the ability to engage in civil and civic discourse has never been more essential. As social science educators, you create spaces where students learn to listen with empathy, engage with diverse perspectives, and participate thoughtfully in democratic dialogue. The skills students develop in your classrooms are foundational to a healthy democracy. This newsletter highlights professional development opportunities, resources, and events that support your vital work in fostering informed, engaged citizens who can navigate differences with curiosity and respect.

This Civil Discussion Guide includes Social Science and TSEL resources for classrooms. Engaging in civic and civil discussions is an important skill for all students at every grade level. These grade-level essential questions can help start discussions and are aligned with the 2024 social science standards and essential disciplinary practices.

Please let us know if you have any questions or items you would like to see in future newsletters.

ODE Social Science

Social Science Talk 

ODE recently created a social science framework and new webpage with resources for classroom teachers and district leaders. This month we are highlighting a resource designed to support classroom discussions. We will also have time to answer questions about social science standards, additional resources, and instructional materials. Office hours are open every third Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 PT. Drop by to learning about new resources, ask questions or just talk about social science on October 15th.

2025 Oregon Civics Conference

Registration Now Open

Join the Civics Learning Project on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Salem Convention Center for this year's Oregon Civics Conference, a day dedicated to strengthening civic education in classrooms across the state.

This year's theme, "From the Ground Up," highlights how strong civic learning begins with building foundational knowledge, skills, and engagement that empower students to be active participants in their communities.

At the conference, you'll:

• Hear directly from Oregon's leaders and civic experts
• Explore innovative strategies to bring civics to life in your classroom
• Take home ready-to-use lessons and classroom materials
• Connect with fellow educators who share your commitment to civic learning

For details about the conference, including agenda updates and speaker information, visit the conference website.

Civic Scholars Program

All Oregon educators are eligible to apply to attend as a Civic Scholar. Educators confirmed as Civic Scholars will be paired with a legislator representing the Oregon House or Senate district in which they teach.

Benefits include:

• Sponsorship by your Oregon Representative or Senator, and the opportunity to connect with them directly
• Free registration for the conference
• A mileage stipend based on your attendance and distance traveled
• Reimbursement for substitute coverage, if needed
• Lodging is provided for those traveling to attend

Apply for the Civic Scholars Program

Oregon Historical Society

Teaching Japanese American History: The Yasui Family

Join OHS and the Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO) to learn strategies for teaching about the experiences of Japanese Americans in Oregon before, during, and after WWII incarceration. Participants will be introduced to a variety of classroom-ready resources and take a guided tour of The Yasui Family: An American Story with retired educator Barbara Yasui.

Date: Friday, November 21, 2025Time: 10 am–3:30 pmLocation: Oregon Historical Society, PortlandStipend & Registration Deadline: November 13, 2025

Register for Teaching Japanese American History Workshop

Educator Memberships

OHS offers a 10% educator discount on all membership levels. Use the discount code TEACHER to access discounted pricing online. Proof of educator status may be requested for in-person membership purchases.

US Holocaust Memorial and Museum

Effective ways to teach historical understanding and promote literacy goals.

Holocaust literature can immerse students in the past, helping them consider how the events of the Holocaust affected people and communities. During this free virtual program, seasoned educators will discuss the importance of incorporating accurate historical context when teaching about the Holocaust in middle and high school classrooms. The program highlights instructional strategies that strengthen literacy skills and explores resources based on the Museum’s primary source collection, which helps students understand how and why the Holocaust occurred.

Panelists will share strategies for examining Holocaust literature. For example, Lois Lowry's Number the Stars is one of many valuable works that can engage students in the classroom. To support the discussion, a copy of Number the Stars will be mailed directly to program registrants (available for educators with a US or US territory mailing address).

Register and Get Your Free Book 

Case Method Institute: 9-12 Professional Learning 

The Case Method Institute (CMI) is offering exceptional, no-cost professional development opportunities this year for high school teachers of U.S. history, government, and civics. When applied to history, the case method places students in the role of historical decision-makers and allows them to experience history as it unfolded. 

Educators who complete the free professional development gain access to 22 Harvard-developed cases on pivotal moments in U.S. democratic history, comprehensive teaching materials, and ongoing, personalized support from CMI staff..

Choose from Two Pathways:

Live Zoom-based workshop featuring an interactive session led by Professor Moss.

Upcoming dates: November 3 and December 8. Asynchronous option available

Facing History & Ourselves: Transformational Education Workshop

Across the country, educators and administrators recognize the need to create learning environments where all students—regardless of background—feel seen, heard, and valued, and where they are supported in reaching their full potential. Facing History & Ourselves has designed a professional development model to help educators foster classrooms that affirm all students' identities and equip them with the skills to think critically, express their voices, and actively engage in their learning.

In this workshop, participants explore the history of race, schooling, and academic identity to better understand the root causes of present-day educational inequities.

Transformational Education for All Students Fall 2025 Workshop

Dates: October 7–8, 2025

Time: 11 am–4 pm ET

Register for the workshop

United States Senate Youth Program

Nominate Your Student Leaders: U.S. Senate Youth Program

The U.S. Senate Youth Program offers an exceptional experience for high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate leadership in government, public affairs, education, or community service.

Selected Students Receive:

• $10,000 college scholarship
• All-expenses-paid week in Washington, D.C. (March 7-14, 2026)
• Meeting events with Senators, Supreme Court justices, and national leaders
• Network with student delegates nationwide

Ideal Candidates: Should have a deep commitment to civic engagement, and currently serve in elected or appointed leadership roles, such as:

• Student body officers
• Class representatives
• Community service leaders
• Public affairs organization members

Help your outstanding students access this prestigious opportunity!

Oregon 6A schools may nominate up to two students. All other schools must select one student for nomination. Two Oregon students will be selected for the scholarship funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

More information is available at the ODE USSYP webpage.

Ethnic Studies Youth Conference

Portland State University's College of Education is proud to host the 9th Ethnic Studies Youth Conference in partnership with Portland Community College. The Ethnic Studies Youth Conference is a platform for middle and high school students from throughout Oregon to gather and share their art, testimonies, and research falling under this interdisciplinary umbrella. This conference connects people across age groups, institutions, and geographies, is free of cost for participants, and centers youth voices in a supportive environment.

When: Friday, December 12, 8:30 am–3:30 pm

Where: Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union

Why: To connect youth, art, advocates, and research

Conference Structure:

Participating youth will give presentations of 10–15 minutes (per group), depending on the number of panelists. Panels will be grouped by theme and moderated by educators, scholars, and community leaders. Presentations are followed by supportive question/answer and discussion periods.

Participation is free. Conference preparation support is available for teachers and youth leaders.

Call for Youth Presenters:

1. Share brief descriptions of arts and presentation topics no later than November 3
2. Complete the participation form

More Information: Contact Dr. Gabriel Higuera at Gabriel.higuera@pcc.edu

America 250 Oregon Grant Opportunity

As Oregon prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, grant opportunities are available to support community projects and educational initiatives. Visit Oregon 250's website to learn more about funding opportunities and how to apply for an America 250 Oregon Grant.

Oregon Black Pioneers: York Fest

Oregon Black Pioneers, Oregon's only statewide African American historical society, will host York Fest, a week-long festival honoring the life of York, October 17–25, 2025.

York was the only African American member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Portland's first Black ancestor. Although enslaved by William Clark, York was crucial to the expedition's success—he hunted, traded with Native Americans, and even cast a vote for where to set up camp. Despite his essential contributions, York received no compensation and was not granted freedom.

For two centuries, York's story was rarely told, but his courage and achievements are inspiring people today. York Fest brings together scholars, thought-leaders, artists, and community visionaries to honor this pioneer's legacy through performances, outdoor experiences, and educational programs.

Festival Events:

• Friday, Oct 17 – The Unraveling of York
• Saturday, Oct 18 – Our Rooted Futures Festival
• Sunday, Oct 19 – Boating with Bubba
• Wednesday, Oct 22 – Big Medicine: York Outdoors
• Thursday, Oct 23 – The Journey of York
• Friday & Saturday, Oct 24 & 25 – York the Explorer World Premiere

Find full details at Oregon Black Pioneers' York Fest page

2026 Mark O. Hatfield Lecture Series

Series tickets are now on sale for the four-part 2026 Mark O. Hatfield Lecture Series at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in downtown Portland or via livestream.

Series Speakers:

February 17, 2026 – Keisha Blain Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights

March 10, 2026 – Michael Luo Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America

April 14, 2026 – Megan Kate Nelson The Westerners: Myth-Making and Belonging on the American Frontier

May 12, 2026 – Rick Atkinson Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777–1780

Virtual Series Tickets

Geography Education Survey from the Gray Family Foundation

This survey was developed by the Gray Family Foundation to better understand how geography is taught in Oregon's K–12 classrooms and identify how geography education can best be supported. The survey takes about 10–15 minutes to complete. Responders will be entered in a raffle to win a $100 gift certificate to Powell's Books or an annual pass to Oregon State Parks. The survey will be open until Friday, October 24, 2025.

Take the Gray Family Foundation Geography Education Survey

What will the results be used for?

The results will be used to explore ways to enhance, strengthen, and fund high-quality geography education in the state of Oregon.

Who should take the survey?

Any K–12 teacher in Oregon who teaches geographic concepts. Because geography is multidisciplinary, it is often taught across different subject areas. Here are some examples:

• Social studies teachers who teach the ODE Social Science standards, Tribal History, Shared History, K–12 geography standards, current events related to natural resources, and more
• Science teachers who teach human-environment relationships, climate, and other physical Earth systems
• Middle or high school teachers who teach a stand-alone geography course
• Career pathway teachers who connect learners with local communities
• All educators who take their students outside to learn
• All educators who use digital maps or other spatial data sources in their classrooms

For more information about the Gray Family Foundation, visit grayff.org

Oregon Humanities

Join a conversation with Akhil Reed Amar, one of the country's leading thinkers on constitutional law. Oregon Humanities will explore how equality has been central to American laws, history, and self-understanding, and consider how we strive toward this ideal today. The discussion will examine arguments that informed the US Constitution, its evolution over 238 years, and the future of the nation's foundational laws.

Amar teaches constitutional law at Yale University and is the author of America's Unwritten Constitution, The Constitution Today, and Born Equal: Remaking America's Constitution, 1840-1920.

This conversation is part of Oregon Humanities' 2025–26 “Consider This: Beyond 250” Series. examining what the Declaration of Independence's 250th anniversary means for concepts like equality, freedom, justice, and union.

Educators and students are invited to participate in any number of ways:

1. Come in person to the Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland. There are a limited number of free tickets available. 
2. Attend an official watch party in Salem, La Grande, and Clatskanie. Learn more here under "Other ways to participate." There is no charge to attend a watch party.
3. Host your own watch party. Reach out for more information to programs@oregonhumanities.org
4. Watch the recorded event anytime! The conversation will be available on Oregon Humanities' YouTube channel.