As social studies educators, we are tasked with presenting a wealth of material to our students. But what exactly do we mean when we say that we are social studies educators? Is our task simply to present history and historical facts? While it is true that history is a very important part of the equation, the discipline of social studies is more than that, and encompasses a variety of subjects under the umbrella of the social sciences. It also means helping our students to become thoughtful and engaged citizens. In our current moment, there is no subject in the middle and high school classroom more fruitful for exploration and at the same time so filled with challenges as the study of social studies.
Submissions from 2025
Assignment 1: Short Paper and Presentation on Field Trip Exploring Civic Engagement, John Shekitka
Assignment 2: Looking at the New York State Constitution (or your state constitution), John Shekitka
Assignment 3: Examining the Role of State Supreme Courts, John Shekitka
Assignment 4: Childhood Methods for Social Studies and Civic Engagement, John Shekitka
Assignment 5: Learning About the State Legislature, John Shekitka
Syllabus: Social Studies Curriculum and Methods in Secondary Education, John Shekitka