Professional Development

Chicago Metro History Day

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2026–27 Events

Virtual History Day 101

Tuesday, September 15, 6–8 p.m.

Join us via Zoom for History Day 101. History Day 101 is designed for teachers who are new to Chicago Metro History Day (CMHD), considering CMHD, or returning after a hiatus. We will address:

The History Day philosophy and benefits to students
Annual theme
Brief introduction to History Day categories and rules
History Day in your classroom
Connection to ISBE State Standards
Research and argumentation
Evaluation rubric
Contest nuts and bolts

This event is free for teachers at History Day participating schools and those who are considering participation. 2 PD hours will be awarded.

Teacher Kickoff

Tuesday, September 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join us at the Chicago History Museum for CMHD’s Annual Teacher Kickoff on Tuesday, September 29. The Kickoff will feature History Day updates and an introduction to the 2027 theme “Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change.”

This event is free for teachers at History Day participating schools and those who are considering participation. A light dinner and drinks (beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options) will be served. 2 PD hours will be awarded. To help us make appropriate catering arrangements, RSVPs are appreciated by Thursday, September 17.

RSVP Here

Virtual History Day Methods

Tuesdays, September 29-October 27, 2026, 7–8:00 p.m.

History Day Methods is designed to prepare new or returning teachers to integrate History Day in their classrooms. This program has five interactive modules with Tuesday night Zoom meetings and an in=person introduction meeting. Teachers and CMHD staff will meet weekly on Zoom throughout the course to discuss the modules, assignments, and questions.

Outside of the Tuesday meetings, teachers will work through the modules and learn more about the History Day program, requirements, and strategies for how to implement History Day in the classroom. Educators will be able to chat with other History Day teachers and History Day staff about the content, as well as any questions or concerns.

September 29: Introduction and Module 1: Theme and Topic Selection at Teacher Kickoff at Chicago History Museum (5:30–7:30 p.m.). Please contact staff if you are unable to make it in-person, and complete Module 1 Questions.
September 29–October 6 – Module 2: Research, Source Analysis, Notetaking, Annotated Bibliography (Meeting October 6, 7–8 p.m.)
October 7–13 – Module 3: Historical Argumentation (Meeting October 13, 7–8 p.m.)
October 14–20 – Module 4: Preparing a Project (Meeting October 20, 7–8 p.m.)
October 21–27– Wrap-up and Module 5: Preparing for the Contest (Meeting October 27, 7–8 p.m.)

Teachers will have through November to complete any outstanding work.

NEIU Research Palooza

More information to come!

UIC Research Palooza

Saturday, January 9, 2027. More information to come!