Session 1: Feb 12, 2026 7:00 PM"What Kept Them Up at Night?"

The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is the largest professional association in the United States devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS provides leadership, service, and support for educators who teach history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, and other social studies subjects at all levels, from elementary through post-secondary. Their webinar and event programming connects members with expert perspectives on the issues, questions, and pedagogical approaches that shape effective social studies instruction. This four-part webinar series uses provocative, inquiry-driven questions to explore foundational themes in American history and civic life. Beginning with 'What Kept Them Up at Night?' in February and continuing through May with sessions on 'Who Counts as We the People?', 'A Revolution That Travelled,' and 'Do We Get a Birthday Cake?', the series models the kind of compelling questioning that drives deep student engagement in social studies classrooms. Each session invites educators to examine American history through fresh lenses—considering the fears and anxieties of the founders, the evolving definition of citizenship, the global ripple effects of revolution, and the ongoing negotiation of national identity. For social studies teachers looking for both content knowledge and pedagogical inspiration, this series demonstrates how thoughtful framing of historical questions can transform student thinking.