Professional Development
Chicago Metro History Day
2024–25 Events
2024 Democracy Schools Convening
Monday, September 23, 2024
NIU Conference Center in Naperville, Illinois
How Shall We Live Together? Promoting Civility and Civic Engagement Across the School System
Join the Illinois Democracy Schools Network for a day of learning about civic learning ACROSS the disciplines in grades K–12. Join a wide range of experts to delve into how ALL educators can prepare students for college, career, and civic life. Registration includes parking, a light breakfast, and lunch.
History Day Teacher Kickoff
Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Chicago History Museum
CMHD’s Annual Teacher Kickoff will feature important History Day updates, an introduction to the 2025 theme “Rights and Responsibilities in History,” and a presentation by CHM curator Olivia Mahoney. We will also explore CHM’s newest exhibition, Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s.
This event is free for teachers at History Day participating schools and those who are considering participation. A light dinner and drinks will be served. PD hours will be awarded.
History Day 101
Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Chicago History Museum
This brief introduction to History Day is designed for teachers who are new to 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
A light dinner will be provided. PD hours will be awarded. Participants may tour the Chicago History Museum exhibits prior to the workshop, if desired.
History Day Student Kickoff
Thursday, October 10, and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, staggered arrival 9–10:00 a.m. and departure 1:30–2:15 p.m.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Metro History Day’s first-ever Student Kickoff! This event is a great opportunity for students to explore potential topics and Chicago area collections while they are still choosing their research focus.
This program is designed to introduce students to possible topics related to Chicago history or Chicago area historical collections. If most of your students have already finalized their topic choices, this program may not be the right fit. This program is first-come, first-served.
This opportunity is now full.
Illinois Council for the Social Studies (ICSS) Fall Conference
Friday, October 11, 2024
Harper College in Palatine, Illinois
Navigating Controversial Topics in Today’s Digital World
Earn Professional Development hours while engaging with colleagues, learning new techniques, discussing current issues, and growing in your social studies teaching. With so much focus on the work we do as social studies professionals, engagement in collegial dialogue is becoming more important than ever. Join your colleagues for engaging sessions that explore the present and future directions of professional social studies education.
Virtual | History Day Methods
Thursdays, October 24-November 21, 2024, 7–8:00 p.m.
Zoom
History Day Methods is designed to prepare new or returning teachers to integrate History Day in their classrooms. This program has five interactive modules that educators work through over the course of five weeks. Teachers and CMHD staff will meet weekly on Zoom throughout the course to discuss the modules, assignments, and questions.
Outside of the Zoom 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.
Project Workshop for Teachers
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–noon
Chicago History Museum
This 2-hour PD will provide new and experienced History Day teachers with in-depth guidance on helping students across History Day project categories: exhibit, website, documentary, performance, and paper. History Day staff will help teachers to become more comfortable helping students meet National History Day’s requirements for each category and work through examples of student work from past years.
This workshop will be especially helpful for teachers who would like to move beyond the more familiar exhibit and paper categories and help their students with website-building, documentary-making, and historical performance.
NEIU Research Palooza
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Ronald Williams Library at Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago Metro History Day’s Research Palooza with NEIU will feature research and project coaching opportunities and presentations from experts.
UIC Research Palooza
Saturday, January 11, 2025
UIC Richard J. Daley Library
Chicago Metro History Day’s Research Palooza with UIC will feature research and project coaching opportunities and presentations from experts.