 November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This is an opportunity to center the voices and experiences of the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon and Indigenous communities nationwide.
The following resources support year-round instruction that honors the sovereignty, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Native American peoples.
Oregon Resources and Events:
National Resources:
Social Science Instructional Materials
The State Board of Education adopted K-12 instructional materials to support the implementation of the 2024 social science standards. Visit the ODE Instructional Materials page for further information on instructional materials adoption. Educators can also view scores and comments from the state-wide review panel and find contacts for publishers to request review copies. Please email ODE.InstructionalMaterials@ode.oregon.gov if you need assistance.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 9:00 AM (PT)
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 3:45 PM (PT)
Friday, December 12, 2025 12:00 PM (PT)
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American Exchange Project: Connect Students Across America
The American Exchange Project (AEP) offers a free domestic youth exchange program for graduating seniors. Students experience life in a different part of America through week-long exchanges, staying with host families and participating in cultural immersion, community events, and service projects.
Oregon currently has three partner schools, with expansion underway. Schools need volunteer Exchange Managers (a paid position) to coordinate the program locally. This is an excellent opportunity to help students build bridges across geographic and cultural differences while developing civic engagement skills.
Learn more about the American Exchange Project.
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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, participants will:
- 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
Whether you're a returning attendee or joining us for the first time, don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Location: Salem Convention Center, Salem, OR
Register for the Oregon Civics Conference – space is limited!
For more details about the conference, including agenda updates and speaker information, visit the conference website.
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Center for Geography Education in Oregon: New Resource on Black Histories
Teaching Through Rather than About: Analyzing Black Histories and Geographies with Primary Sources, a free resource developed through C-GEO in collaboration with Oregon educators and local and national history organizations.
This open-access book includes 11 secondary lesson chapters that model teaching through Black histories rather than about Black histories, utilizing a Black Historical Consciousness framework. Each chapter features:
- Complete lesson plans with essential and supporting questions
- Primary source analysis activities
- Performance tasks
- Adaptation and extension suggestions
The lessons emphasize centering Black voices and experiences as active agents in history rather than treating Black history as a separate topic.
Access the free book
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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 provided for those traveling to attend
Apply for the Civic Scholars Program
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Retro Report: Teacher Fellowship and Advisory Opportunities
Engaging With Revolutionary History Teacher Fellowship
Retro Report is offering a three-year professional learning fellowship for U.S. History and Civics educators, with preference given to teachers in rural or remote areas. This program, funded through a U.S. Department of Education American History and Civics Grant, will serve up to 50 teachers.
Program includes:
- Monthly Saturday virtual workshops (January–April each year, plus August–April)
- Annual summer workshops on-site (tentatively in TX, CA, PA)
- $1,000 yearly stipend
- Paid travel for summer workshops
- 1 graduate credit per year through Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Access to high-quality instructional resources and training with notable scholars
Application Deadline: Friday, December 12
Notification: Friday, December 19
Program Begins: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Retro Report Teacher Advisors 2026 Cohort
Retro Report is accepting applications for the 2026 Teacher Advisors cohort. Open to educators teaching Social Studies, English/Language Arts, Science, Health, Career and Technical Education, and Special Education across the United States and its territories.
For questions about either opportunity, contact David Olson, Director of Education at dolson@retroreport.com
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