Dear Social Studies Educators,

WOW! What a year it has been...and we are only half way through the school year. I am reminded daily of the importance of teachers in our changing world but now, more than ever, it is also important to recognize the hard work, time, devotion and commitment that each of you put in on a daily basis. I see you! I know you are tired! And, I know you deserve this holiday break more than ever before! Please take this time to rest, recharge, spend time on yourself and your families.

I wish you a Happy Holiday season!

As always, I would like to help in any way that I can to take something off your plate. Please feel free to reach out any time for a resource, idea, or support of any kind.

Before being released, THL Instructional Materials undergo a rigorous review process that includes input from Texas Educators. This review process helps ensure that released materials are of the highest quality, meet state standards, and meet the expectations and needs of all our districts.

The THL team at TEA has reached out to us to ask for our help in nominating folks to participate in this process. In particular, TEA is looking for individuals with expertise in K-5 Social Studies, though they welcome anyone with experience with Social Studies instructional materials in Texas. Through a series of focus groups, participants in this review process will help define what the final materials include in order to support all Texas teachers and students, as well as the implementation support and training publishers and TEA will provide through THL.

The TEA THL team has worked to streamline this process as much as possible given the time constraints educators are currently under. Nominees are encouraged, but will not be required, to participate in every focus group over the course of the year, which would include 1-2 one hour sessions per month.

Please take a moment to think about educators you know who may be a good fit as a focus group participant and nominate them using this form!

In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed a bill requiring that students in public school commemorate a Holocaust Remembrance Week to “inspire … a sense of responsibility to recognize and uphold human value and to prevent future atrocities.” In 2021, Holocaust Remembrance Week is January 25-29. I have compiled resources in my Smore (link at the bottom of this newsletter) and would highly recommend reviewing the resources provided by the organizations listed below. Many have worked tirelessly to create digital resources that can be used both face to face and virtually.

• Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum
• Museum of Jewish Heritage
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

While visiting the Museum in person might not possible, we hope to virtually connect with your students to talk about the importance of Holocaust remembrance. For that purpose, we want to highlight our Holocaust history focused virtual field trips and programs. All our virtual field trips and programs are live through Zoom video conferencing. Students will connect in real time with a Museum Educator in the exhibition. If you cannot join us for a virtual experience, you can also explore our online Holocaust Remembrance Week resources.

Check back often as new sessions may be added. We are always adding and brainstorming!

TCSS needs your leadership to fulfill our mission. Please consider serving on a TCSS committee and Engage in the Experience. Committees meet the Saturday after TSSSA Spring meeting in Austin usually in February or March and at the Fall Conference. TCSS provides up to $150 to TCSS member(s) serving on TCSS committees to offset expenses related to attending Spring and Fall committee meetings. Committee participation and work may also be completed via video conferencing and individually as the Committee Chair determines. It’s easy, sign up here.

The War of 1812

Wednesday, January 6, 2021
5:00–6:15 p.m. CT

Join Gene A. Smith, professor of history and director of the Center for Texas Studies at Texas Christian University, for a webinar that will address the causes, important events, and effects of the War of 1812. The session will feature a lecture and Q&A and explore teachable primary source documents.

Register HERE and explore other PD opportunities from Humanities Texas in the Spring of 2021.

Geography and World Cultures teachers...

Do your students need current events and practice analyzing maps, charts and graphs? Sign up for Daily Geo from the American Geographical Society. This is a daily email sent that has current events combined with maps, charts, and graphs.

And the BEST PART is...it's TOTALLY FREE!

Want more information? Check out this DailyGeo Guide.

Check Them Out Below:

2018-2019:

September 2018, November 2018, February 2019, March 2019, April 2019, May 2019, June 2019

2019-2020:

August 2019, September 2019, October 2019, November 2019, December 2019, January 2020, February 2020, March 2020, April 2020 (Part 1), April 2020 (Part II), May 2020 (Part I), May 2020 (Part II) June 2020, July 2020

2020-2021:

August 2020, September 2020, October 2020, October 2020 (Part II), November/December 2020

Email: kelly.bellar@region10.org
Website: https://www.region10.org/programs/social-studies/service-offerings/
Location: Richardson, TX, USA
Phone: 972-348-1432
Twitter: @Region10SS