MLK Jr. Day falls on January 20, 2025. This day serves as a reminder of Dr. King's contributions to the civil rights movement and his tireless efforts toward equality and justice for all. Below are links to teaching resources to commemorate his legacy this month and beyond.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day Classroom Resources from PBS Newshour Classroom
• King: A Legacy Remembered from the National Civil Rights Museum
• Teaching King Beyond “I Have a Dream” from Civil Rights Teaching
• The Best of Our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Resources from Learning for Justice
• 9 Resources for Teaching about MLK's Legacy from Facing History and Ourselves
• Classroom and Parent Resources for Martin Luther King Jr. Day from Gilder Lehrman
• MLK Day Resources from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day from the Bill of Rights Institute
• Classroom Resources from the King Center



Help students discover the spirit of generosity! Have students join the Private i History Detectives team to explore historical acts of generosity and discover how they can practice this civic virtue in and outside of the classroom. How Can Generosity Help Me Be a Good Citizen? includes three lessons that prompt lower-elementary students to practice generosity together while refining inquiry skills. 

By analyzing photographs, writings, and artwork from the world wars and fundraising efforts for the Statue of Liberty, young learners will uncover the lasting impact of giving back.

Get started with the first lesson: How Do People Practice Generosity?

Students learn about different methods of extending generosity, such as giving time to others. By considering thought-provoking questions, students will better understand ways of giving back and how acts of generosity can make a difference.

Explore the Intro Lesson.

Sphere Summit is a full scholarship professional development program for grades 5–12 educators and administrators. Summits are a fully in-person experience in Washington, DC, and will run June 29–July 3 and July 14–18. Benefits include room and board, 20+ hours of professional development, classroom resources, and a $500 travel stipend upon completion of the program.

New this year, each Summit has a unique theme. The Summit I theme is “Freedom, Rights, and America’s 250th” while Summit II centers on “Cultivating Curiosity, Openness, and Civil Discourse in Every Classroom.”

Each Summit offers distinct programming to meet the needs of both middle and high school educators and administrators, as well as educators teaching either on grade level or advanced courses like AP or IB.

Apply for Summit.

Join the Right Question Insittute for an afternoon with two of their partners in the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Consortium. Regina Holland, from the Rural Experience in America program, and Jaime Beal, from the Maine Department of Education, will talk about impactful place-based community projects that use primary source documents and student questions to dig into local history and the rural experience. You'll walk away with ideas and tools for replicating similar projects in your classroom, course, or organization. 

Learn more and join RQI on January 30.

Media Literacy Now has launched a searchable database of instructional materials designed for K-12 health educators. The database includes resources, lesson plans, videos, and activities covering topics such as digital citizenship, online safety, digital wellness, media's impact on health, and skills for informed health decision-making.

Curated by health educators and media literacy experts, the database features materials from over 50 sources to support integrating media literacy into health classrooms. Learn more.

Join the Indiana Council for the Social Studies on January 24 at 8:15 PM for an engaging webinar to explore THINKING PRO, a federally-funded media literacy unit designed to empower students with cross-disciplinary skills. Using local news as a motivational hook, this unit fosters mindfulness about the media students consume, encourages discussions on local issues and resources, and sharpens critical thinking skills for evaluating news articles. Discover how local news can spark student engagement, inspire meaningful discussions, and help students find their voice in their communities.

Learn more.

Civic Digital Literacy is a collection of nonpartisan, evidence-based, classroom-ready resources from iCivics and the Digitial Inquiry Group that prepares students to skillfully verify the various pieces of information they encounter online.

Click here to access the materials. In addition, click here to access their professional development videos.

The Bill of Rights Institute is thrilled to announce the launch of Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment  a core resource designed for on-level high school and AP government courses. This resource is a dynamic guide for informed citizenry. The content the role of government within civil society, examining the workings of the U.S. government and the power we hold in shaping it. This text seeks to answer the question: How can a system of self-governance support American ideals?

How is this resource designed?

• It engages students in the theory and practice of governance, exploring the what, why, and how of the American government.
• It is available as printable texts OR a fully-digital resource which is sharable via links or through any LMS.
• It consists of document versions and question sets for both AP and on-level students. 
• It contains primary source activities, thought-provoking essays, case studies, and critical debates.
• It includes immersive table-top games that engage students directly with founding principles and government operations.
• Its genially-based, inter-active graphics give students an approachable way to explore complex topics and reinforce their learning about complex topics.

CLICK HERE to review resources

The Illinois Council for the Social Studies and Department of History at Eastern Illinois University invite session proposals for the ICSS Spring 2025 Conference, held on the campus of Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois, on THURSDAY, April 10, 2025. Please note the “day change” of the conference to a Thursday, which is different from past ICSS practice.

In social, technological, and political climates where a spectrum of stories complement, run parallel, or conflict, it is important for students and citizens to systematically explore, learn, and tell their stories. Through history, geography, economics, and civics, we learn to tell our stories by asking essential questions, identifying, and exploring a wide array of sources, critically analyzing those sources, and communicating our findings. The focus of the 2025 ICSS Spring Conference is the exploration of how students use inquiry, how they identify and analyze sources of information, and how they communicate their stories. Though ICSS happily accepts proposals beyond the conference theme, we specifically invite session proposals that address the following subthemes:

Three subthemes of specific focus:

1) Telling our story by asking good questions

2) Telling our story by analyzing sources of information

3) Telling our story through effective collaboration, communication, and consensus

The ICSS Spring Conference engages practicing PK-12 social studies teachers, preservice teachers, university faculty, social studies researchers, and concerned citizens. Participants will explore a variety of topics and sessions that are pertinent to social studies students and teachers in the field across grade levels and social studies content areas.

Learn more HERE.

All high school teachers in U.S. history, civics, and government classes are invited to participate in a special PD program offered by the Case Method Institute for Education & Democracy and Harvard Professor David Moss. The next session will be held on Saturday, February 1, from 10am–4pm CT.

The Institute has partnered with more than 4,000 teachers to bring the case method, a pedagogy used to strengthen critical thinking at leading professional schools nationwide, to over 250,000 high school students across the United States. Each case presents students with a historically rich narrative, leading to a key decision point and posing the perennial question: "What would you do?"

Led by a teacher's use of carefully designed questions, students engage in rigorous, evidence-based discussion and debate to draw out key concepts from the case. Teachers have described the case method as a "game-changer," a "transformational experience," and a "laboratory for citizenship." Extensive data shows significant benefits for students, including improved critical thinking skills and confidence with historical material, as well as increased civic interest and engagement. The Institute invites high school teachers to learn more in this flyer and to apply (to confirm eligibility) for either a live, Zoom-based workshop or our fully self-paced, asynchronous program at this link.  

For more information on the opportunity:

Video: About the Case Method Institute

Video: Professor Moss, on bringing the case method to high schools

Website: The "History of American Democracy" cases



Retro Report is committed to supporting and uplifting teacher voices. Educators from the United States and its territories can now apply as 2025 Retro Report Teacher Advisors. Candidates can apply to one, two, or all three groups that will help us respond to the needs of educators and students nationwide. 

• Our focus is on educators who plan to use Retro Report resources in 2025.
• To qualify, educators must be a middle school or high school teacher at a public, private, or charter school.
• We have a special interest in hearing from teachers of Social Studies, ELA/English, Science, Special Education, and Health.
• Stipends range from $75 to $500.

Apply by Jan. 8, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Join the ABA Division for Public Education and the Federal Judicial Center in Washington, DC for this unique teachers’ professional development using great federal trials as a lens to explore the judiciary, rule of law, and US Constitution throughout American history.

During Summer 2025, we will explore: U.S. v. Susan B. Anthony, the Flag Salute Cases (Gobitis v. Minersville and Barnette v. West Virgina Board of Ed) and U.S. v. Dellinger (the Chicago Seven Conspiracy Trial).

• When:  June 23–27, 2025
• Where:  Washington, DC (travel and lodging costs included)
• Questions?  Email catherine.hawke@americanbar.org with any questions.
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

APPLY TODAY!

Agents of Influence, a spy media literacy game, is looking for middle and high scool teachers to give feedback and participate in research studies. The game teaches critical thinking, content analysis, research, and communication—essential skills that form the foundation of 21st-century education. The game can be used across subjects including ELA, Social Studies, CTE, Library, and more.

$50-$250 per teacher, Dec. 2024–Jan. 2026 (different studies at different times)

Learn more and sign up here.

Build critical thinking skills while sharing the presidents’ stories with your students through live interactive videoconferencing and primary source documents.

• Whether you are a teacher, homeschool instructor, or curriculum planner of any kind, you can enhance learning for students as they analyze primary sources to learn about historic events and presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy directly from National Park Service rangers and presidential historians in this free, live, interactive webinar series, which runs January–April 2025. All programs are live at 10 a.m. CT and 1 p.m. CT on their scheduled day and applicable to students grades 4–12.

DISCOVER MORE & REGISTER TODAY.

The Medal of Honor Foundation invites you to a FREE Professional Development workshop on March 18, 2025 being held at the Education Center at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL. This workshop is appropriate for all 6th–12th grade administrators, teachers, counselors, and coaches. The PD will focus on the Medal of Honor Character Development Program (CDP). The purpose of the CDP is to instill in students the confidence to overcome obstacles and make a difference in their community. 

The workshop is free to attend, includes a complimentary lunch, and we cover the cost of substitute teachers. 

Additionally, graduate level extension credit will be available through the University of San Diego. Additional information about the credit will be provided at the workshop.

This video tells you a little bit about the CDP and its impact on students.

Register Here!

Feel free to contact training@cmohs.org if you have any questions.

Street Law has a number of opportunities for teachers to deepen their practice, participate in a community of practice, and be recognized for their service.

• Since 2005, Street Law has honored extraordinary classroom teachers through its annual Classroom Champion Award. Nominate yourself for this prestigious award, and help Street Law showcase how you use our materials to engage students in civic and law-related education. The winner (and one guest) will receive a FREE trip to Washington, DC, to attend the Street Law Awards Gala on April 30, 2025. The application deadline is January 17, 2025. Nominate Yourself or a Colleague.

• Calling all secondary social studies teachers to apply for the 2025 Supreme Court Summer Institute. Join Street Law in Washington, DC, for this once-in-a-lifetime professional development opportunity about the U.S. Supreme Court, its cases, and Street Law’s student-centered strategies. The application deadline is March 1, 2025. Apply Now.

Join the Illinois Civics Hub in 2025 for professional development to enhance your classroom practice. Presented in partnership with the North Cook Intermediate Center, each offering is aligned with the Illinois course mandates and standards. These workshops will be in person at the North Cook ISC in DesPlaines, IL.

• Friday, January 17, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST: Let's Talk! Creating Conditions for Civil Dialogue in Our Schools- Join colleagues from across all academic disciplines in an engaging, outcomes-based professional learning experience. Learn and practice strategies to foster productive civil dialogue in our classrooms and school communities, both face-to-face and online. This learning model will allow you to share and teach these strategies to your colleagues.



• Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST: Engaging Student Voice for Inquiry (K-5)- Is responsiveness to student voice related to academic success? Research from the University of Chicago declares YES! In this interactive session, experience strategies to engage student voice to support inquiry as the primary mode of learning. Get connected to FREE resources to harness student voice in formative and summative assessment to enhance your practice.

• Thursday, April 10, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST: Engaging Student Voice for Inquiry (6-12) - Is responsiveness to student voice related to academic success? Research from the University of Chicago declares YES! In this interactive session, experience strategies to engage student voice to support inquiry as the primary mode of learning. Get connected to FREE resources to harness student voice in formative and summative assessment to enhance your practice.



• Monday, May 5, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST: Let's Talk! Creating Conditions for Civil Dialogue in Our Schools (6-12)- Join colleagues from across all academic disciplines in an engaging and outcomes-based professional learning experience. Learn and practice strategies to foster productive civil dialogue in our classrooms and school communities, both face-to-face and online. This learning model will allow you to share and teach these strategies to your colleagues.

The Illinois Civics Hub is also offering a virtual Administrator Academy on Teaching Inclusive American History - Implementing the New Illinois History Course Mandates (AA3931). Participants can take the academy for academy credit or PD hours. Three hours will be done asynchronously in advance, and three hours will occur in person on Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

How can you build engagement around civics and foster a proper understanding of American citizenship? Introduce your students to the MyImpact Challenge!

MyImpact Challenge is a civic engagement contest and curriculum provided by the Bill of Rights Institute (BRI) to create a robust understanding of citizenship and incentivize students to become active in their communities now! To participate, students must have an active civic engagement or service-based project. Students will learn how their projects align with constitutional principles through the contest. To submit a project, students must:

• Write an essay detailing how their project furthers a BRI Civic Virtue or Founding Principle
• Complete a report describing how their project works
• Provide photographic or visual documentation of their project

Each MyImpact Challenge submission has the potential to win up to $500 in teacher prizes. Students can win up to $10,000 in student prizes.

The deadline to enter MyImpact Challenge is May 18, 2025, 11:59 PM. 

Share MyImpact Challenge



The first draft of the 2025 Summer Social Studies Professional Development opportunities spreadsheet is now available. As you take a peek, anything that is NOT highlighted is currently open.

There are SO many great opportunities for next summer!

Many thanks to Stefanie Wager at the Iowa Department of Education for creating this calendar and updating the spreadsheet as more opportunities open.

The Illinois Civics Hub has partnered with the Lou Frey Institute at the University of Central Florida to provide educators the opportunity to earn microcredentials in the proven practices of civic education embedded in the middle and high school civics course requirements in Illinois. Courses include:

• Current and Controversial Issue Discussions—Learn from academic experts Dr. Diana Hess & Dr. Paula McAvoy as you explore the purpose, role, and function of discussion strategies as pedagogical tools to equip young people to be engaged citizens. This course will enhance the practice of educators with strategies and resources to create a classroom climate in which there are equitable opportunities for ALL students to engage in dialogue about essential questions across the curriculum.

• Simulations of Democratic Processes—Learn from academic experts Dr. Walter Parker & Dr. Jane Lo as you explore how democratic processes and procedures occur as part of the regular functioning of government, in each of the three branches of government, and at each level of government. This course will guide you through the purpose, planning, and implementation of three simulations: town hall meetings, legislative hearings, and moot courts.

• Informed Action through Service Learning—Learn from academic experts Dr. Joseph Kahne and Jessica Marshall as you explore the purpose, role, and function of informed action through service learning as a pedagogical tool to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be active members of their community. In this course, you will interact with strategies and tools you can use in your classroom to support student-centered informed action through service learning.

• NEW: Constitutional Democracy as Content and Practice—Learn from academic experts Dr. Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, Dr. Shawn P. Healy, and Dr. Bonnie Laughlin Schultz as you explore how the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap can help teach constitutional democracy as both content and practice across disciplines K-12.

Registration information is available on the Guardians of Democracy homepage. Those who successfully complete the 5-week online course will earn a Bronze Certified Guardian of Democracy Educator badge via Badgr and the University of Central Florida Center for Distributive Learning.

Participants can earn 15 PD hours through the DuPage Regional Office of Education. Please note that due to some changes in our funding, the Democracy School Network will no longer be offering a stipend to participants.

There are three strands of courses for each proven practice of civics education. Graduate credit is available through the University of St. Francis for completing all three courses. For more information, please visit the Guardians of Democracy homepage.