Arizona Council for the Social Studies serves as the leading voice for the promotion of quality Social Studies education in Arizona. The purpose of the Arizona Council for the Social Studies is to: * promote and improve the teaching of the social studies in Arizona schools * encourage cooperation among specialists in social studies, social science, professional education, and the schools * provide a network of communication and mutual support for those involved in social studies education at all levels * serve as a support base for the social studies in the state of Arizona and to take appropriate steps to do so
The flagship professional learning event sponsored by ACSS is our One-Day Annual State Social Studies Conference for K-12 Educators. The conference typically features a keynote or guest speaker who addresses a pertinent topic in the field of social studies. Conference participants select from a diverse selection of break-out sessions in the fields of: Geography, History, Civics/Government, Economics, and Pedagogy. The conference honors exemplary Social Studies educators for their contributions and dedication to the discipline with the Wilbur Murra Lifetime Achievement Award, the Isabelle Starr Distinguished Social Studies Teacher Award, and the Great Moments in Teaching Social Studies Award for stellar K-12 lessons.
In addition, ACSS collaborates with Arizona Affiliate organizations, as well as state and national organizations to offer Special Topics Webinars that showcase specific Social Studies resources, curriculum and programs available to K-12 teachers. Recent examples include: “Back to School” Virtual Showcase, a Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting Webinar, and a “Middle East 101” Teacher Conference.
ACSS is part of the network of more than 110 affiliated state, local, and regional councils and associated groups with the National Council for the Social Studies. Our membership represents K-12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, social studies supervisors, and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute the social studies.