NCSS — National Council for the Social Studies

NCSS 2026 Annual Conference

Friday, December 4, 2026 – Sunday, December 6, 2026In-personChicago, IL

More than a theme, Social Studies 365 is a reminder of why your work matters every single day - affirming that social studies education is essential year-round, shaping informed citizens, strengthening democracy, and helping students connect to the world around them. Come be lifted up, recharged, and reminded that what you do truly matters. We cannot wait to learn from you, celebrate your impact, and see how you will bring Social Studies 365 to life every day of the year.

Details

Dates
Friday, December 4, 2026 – Sunday, December 6, 2026
Format
In-person
Location
Chicago, IL
Duration
2–3 days
Event type
Conference

Who it's for

Department ChairsTeachers

Subjects

Topics

Meet us December 4–6, 2026, in Chicago, IL, as we celebrate social studies excellence at the 106th NCSS Annual Conference! Join thousands of fellow educators for meaningful conversations, inspiring connections, and practical ideas you can take straight back to your classroom.

More than a theme, Social Studies 365 is a reminder of why your work matters every single day - affirming that social studies education is essential year-round, shaping informed citizens, strengthening democracy, and helping students connect to the world around them. Come be lifted up, recharged, and reminded that what you do truly matters. We cannot wait to learn from you, celebrate your impact, and see how you will bring Social Studies 365 to life every day of the year.

Become an Exhibitor or Sponsor

Get in touch with thousands of classroom teachers, leaders, and other decision-makers in social studies education. Reserve a booth or becoming a sponsor at the 2026 NCSS Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, December 4-6.

Why Attend the NCSS Annual Conference?

• Inspiring Keynotes: Every year, NCSS is proud to welcome a lineup of prominent keynote speakers. Past keynotes include Ken Burns, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Heather Cox Richardson, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Richard Haass.

• Dynamic Breakout Sessions: Choose from hundreds of interactive sessions led by fellow educators, scholars, and civic leaders. Special sub-themes, speakers, and sessions will highlight issues and practices of greatest interest to social studies educators each day.

• Unmatched Networking: Meet and collaborate with passionate educators from across the country. Whether it is over coffee or during evening receptions, the connections you make here will last far beyond the conference.

• Place-Based Learning Experiences: Explore the conference host city with curated visits to historic landmarks, museums, and cultural institutions—bringing classroom content to life in powerful new ways.

Conference Scholarships

National Council for the Social Studies is pleased to offer a limited number of registration scholarships to enable early and mid-career educators, from diverse ethnic groups, especially historically marginalized communities and/or those who teach in economically disadvantaged school districts, to attend the Annual Conference. Educators from across the United States and its territories are welcome to apply.

View Event & Register →

This link takes you to NCSS's website.