The March from Civil War to Civility: Through Social Justice Education" is the theme for the upcoming New York State Council for the Social Studies Convention, March 17-19, at the Rochester Convention Center.
Kerry Kennedy and NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer Lee Cutler will discuss a joint project between NYSUT and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights that created the Speak Truth to Power curriculum, which focuses on human rights defenders who are changing the world.
This online resource (www.nysut.org/sttp) includes materials and classroom lesson plans aligned to the New York State Learning Standards. NYSUT staffer Elizabeth Sheffer will lead a seminar on the curriculum during the three-day conference.
NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira, the keynote speaker, will outline the changing political and educational landscape and the challenges ahead. Social studies teachers will be sending messages to the Board of Regents and State Education Department officials opposing the recent elimination of fifth- and eighth-grade statewide social studies exams and other proposed changes.
The conference will include numerous professional development opportunities, plus recognition of National Board Certified Teachers, Milken award winners and more. Conference organizer Lori MeGivern, president of the Cortland Teachers Union, said participants may sign up for one-, two- or three-day attendance. Go to www.nyscss.org for details.