Secondary Social Studies Newsletter

Welcome

Hello, I am Teaven Barnum the District Instructional Specialist for Secondary Social Studies. I'm excited to help you in any way that you need. You can reach me at teaven.barnum@killeenisd.org, text at 254-446-2873 or call my desk phone at 254-336-0253.

We’re excited to offer District Summer Professional Development!

This year’s 80’s-inspired theme, “Drop the Beat. Elevate Learning,” is all about one priority: strengthening Tier 1 instruction so every student experiences high-quality, engaging learning every day.

This summer, we’re remixing our practice with a clear focus on what matters most: powerful core instruction that reaches every learner the first time.

Our sessions are built around the REMIX mindset:

R – Refine Tier 1 instructional practices to ensure clarity, rigor, and alignment
E – Engage all learners through intentional, research-based strategies
M – Maximize instructional time and impact in every lesson
I – Integrate effective tools and strategies to support diverse learners
X – eXpand student success through strong, consistent core instruction

Inside the catalog, you’ll find sessions designed to support high-quality first instruction, including TEKS-aligned planning, strategies for reaching all learners, meaningful use of technology, and practical approaches you can implement immediately in your classroom.

🗓 Registration opens: May 2, 2026, at 8:00 AM
🔗 View the Summer PD Catalog: https://canva.link/kisd-summerpd2026
📝 Register in Eduphoria: https://killeen.schoolobjects.com/strive/professional-learning/courses

Teachers have the option to “exchange” Friday, September 4, 2026, for one (1) day of summer professional learning. The following criteria apply for professional learning sessions:

Session eligibility:

1. A minimum of 6 hours in length, either as a single session or multiple sessions, completed as a learner or as a presenter.

2. *In-district or out-of-district learning during non-contract days (June 1, 2026 – August 3, 2026 only) (Out-of-district PD must be approved by the district instructional specialist over that content. Approval must be submitted to CIS before attending PD.)

3. Related to 2026-2027 teaching assignment and specific content

4. No compensation or stipend received for attending or presenting sessions

The following professional development opportunities are offered by external providers and may require a registration fee. While not sponsored by the district, you are welcome to attend. Communicate with your appraiser and/or your Curriculum & Instruction campus leaders to inquire about earning CPE hours for outside PD.

Teaching the American Revolution at 250 (2026 In-Person Institute)

From June 8–11, 2026, Humanities Texas will partner with The University of Texas at Austin to hold a professional development institute for Texas teachers on the American Revolution. The institute is part of our teacher programming in 2025–26 commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial.

humanitiestexas.org

Educator Workshops

Educators, join us for Teach the Alamo, an in-person Professional Development workshop offered at the Alamo for all teachers interested in broadening their understanding of the Alamo’s history. Earn CPE credit hours and develop your professional teaching expertise with the Alamo's popular and well-reviewed educator workshops. This workshop will:

Provide teachers with a holistic knowledge of the Alamo’s place in San Antonio and Texas History through a teacher-focused walking tour of the grounds. The tour will cover multiple eras in the site’s history, including Indigenous history, the Spanish Mission period, the Texas Revolution, Texas annexation and statehood, and the era of preservation.
Include TEKs aligned instructional resources for the classroom.
Offer participating teachers CPE credits.

Walking tour is led by the Alamo education team. Instructional resources are designed for fourth and seventh graders, but this session is beneficial for anyone interested in using Texas history in the classroom and/or preparing for an Alamo field trip.

Institute on the Founding Documents Series: Federalism and the Balance of Power (Click the picture to register)

Join Law-Related Education to examine the principles of the Constitution with a concentration on federalism and its impact on American history. This workshop will begin with an overview of the principles of the Constitution followed by a thorough examination of the evolution of federalism.

Our scholars will begin with the Constitution as a foundation for federalism and trace the development of federalism throughout American history. Teachers will leave the workshop equipped to address the ongoing struggle between the state and national governments and with strategies to teach the principles of the Constitution, federalism as it relates to history, and the impact of the Supreme Court on federal and state power.

Target Audience: 8th grade and HS U.S. History and Government teachers. This workshop also supports 4th and 5th grade social studies. Registration is free and lunch is provided.