How can you be an active social studies professional?

1. Become a Member, and renew your OCSS membership annually. You can do this directly by downloading the registration form or you may sign up each year by checking the box on your OEA/NEA registration form. 
    
2. Attend the OCSS Annual Conference. For information on this year’s conference, visit our Conference page.
    
3. Submit a proposal to present at the OCSS Annual Conference. Many of the best presentations are done by classroom teachers who want to share a technique, unit, lesson, or simulation that works well in their own classroom.
    
4. Contribute an article, opinion piece, or advertise an event in the OCSS Newsletter (contact Jeanne Kish) or the OCSS Review (contact Jim Sheehan). We will team you with a seasoned contributor if you are hesitant about writing in a professional journal. Share your views and experience with us!
    
5. Run for OCSS office.
    
6. Let the OCSS leadership know you are interested in serving on the OCSS Executive Board. Board members range from beginning teachers to retired teachers, and bring many different views to the board meetings while helping OCSS bring services to the membership. Email Theresa Mengerick if you are interested for open positions on the board.  Current open positions include Southeastern Representative and Southwestern Representative.
    
7. Let us know what you are doing in your classroom or community to enhance social studies education. Let us highlight your local accomplishments in our newsletter.
    
8. Encourage other teachers in your building or district to get involved with OCSS and NCSS. Pass on the URL (www.ocss.org) to our website to your colleagues, or download the membership form for them.
    
9. Contact your OCSS regional representative to see how you can help out in your own community or region. We often need help with regional workshops.
    
10. Visit our legislative update section and board meeting summary page to keep up with the changes and proposals that will change our profession.