Summer 2019 Institute in Montréal and Québec City

June 23-28, 2019

The 2019 Quebec Dimensions Summer Institute will offer professional development for six days divided between Montréal, one of the largest French speaking cities in the world and Québec City (pictured above), the provincial capital. The Institute begins and ends in Montréal.  (Institute content will be delivered in English)

Eligibility: Open invitation for U.S. educators from all disciplines, Pre-K to Grade 12  in-service teachers, IB teachers, Community College faculty, and pre-service teachers.
 

Description: “Québec Dimensions” is a unique professional development opportunity providing participants with foundations in history and geography plus contemporary cultural insights through first-hand experience.  The content is taught by academic specialists and is designed to support educators of all levels of Elementary curriculum, French language curriculum, Canadian Studies, World History, World Geography, Comparative Cultures, AP History, IB History of the Americas & North American Geography.

June 23-28, 2019
Rolling registrations until full through April 30th

Register Online by April 30

Judicial Institute for Secondary School Teachers

The Court, in collaboration with Seattle University, has developed a 3 day workshop for middle and high school teachers. The program includes presentations by federal judges, attorneys, and law enforcement officers on topics such as First Amendment rights, civil rights, search and seizure law, and the role of the grand jury. Teachers will also observe actual court proceedings followed by a question and answer session with the presiding judge. An introduction to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's iCivics program is included as part of this curriculum.

This 3 day program is offered to middle and high school teachers who teach in western Washington, within the court’s geographic boundaries. There is no cost for the program, and clock hours are offered. Overnight accommodations are also included.

Applications for the 2019 program (PDF) are now available. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!  Space is limited to 40 teachers, so submit your application early.  Here’s what a few past attendees had to say:

"The Judicial Institute was like an amazing TED Talk menagerie. The speakers were thoughtful, intelligent story-tellers who restored my faith in the legal system. It was one of the most well organized, thoughtful, and beneficial conferences that I have attended." - Trey Messner

"This workshop was packed full of relevant and timely discussions about issues and concerns facing society as expressed in the courts and law. I feel more prepared than ever to teach government/civics." - Heidi Engle

"Energizing, insightful.  From gripping tales by FBI agents and viewing emotional sentencing hearings to clear teaching on grand juries, the court system and the Constitution, this seminar engaged us from start to finish." - Suze Marie Marcinko 

Check out the advocacy work the WSCSS is taking on in Olympia!

Your WSCSS has greatly increased it’s advocacy effort over the last three years. This last session it began to pay off with many legislative successes. We guided legislation that saved and improved History Day in Washington. We also helped design, write and pass the new K-12 Civics education requirements in Washington!

This year, there are many Social Studies related bills that are being considered by the legislature. Check out https://www.wscss.org/bills-before-the-legislature to see what bills are being considered that might change how or what you teach, and what we are doing to improve those bills, help them pass, or argue for removing bad SS policy from 2019 bills.

Please check out the advocacy guide to learn how to effectively lobby for the Social Studies (or to teach your students how they can lobby for what they find important) If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our wonderful Advocacy Chair (and former OSPI Social Studies Coordinator) Carol Coe.