Benefits of Membership

Our provides a network of services to members throughout the state.

Your membership supports:

PUBLICATIONS

·         OCSS Newsletters (Fall & Spring) & Monthly NewsBlasts

The newsletter provides information regarding teaching materials and methods, programs and projects for teachers and students, legislative trends, opportunities for professional development and more.

·         The Ohio Social Studies Review

Published in the spring and summer, members receive two editions a year of Ohio’s own scholarly social studies journal that offers in-depth articles and a potential opportunity to have your research and articles published.

•   Using Children’s Literature to Teach the Ohio Academic Content Standards

This publication authored by Shiverly & Helmos (2008) aligns nearly 300 children’s titles to the Ohio Academic Content Standards in Social Studies. It is ideal for elementary teaching methods courses and elementary teachers.

CONFERENCES AND REGIONAL WORKSHOPS

·         Annual Conference

The annual gathering of professionals offers prominent speakers in the field, networking groups, numerous breakout sessions and contact with large and small vendors.  

·         Regional Workshops

Regional, one-day opportunities (virtual and face-to-face) are offered each year across the state.

·         Higher Education SIG

Ohio’s university instructors gather periodically to examine issues related to teacher preparation programs. This includes collaborative research projects like the annual State of the Social Studies Survey.

PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY

Voicing Our Opinions- Classroom teachers, university instructors, and social studies professionals from related organizations serve on the Executive Board. Together, we carry your voice to Ohio’s legislators and the Ohio Department of Education, advocating on behalf of social studies education.  We have testified in favor of increased social studies graduation requirements and sought equal treatment of educators’ views at public hearings on educational issues. 

Being Part of the Process- OCSS members have served on the Ohio Model Curriculum Committee, the Ohio Licensure Committee, as well as the State Superintendent’s Advisory on State Assessments and range-finding committees.

AWARDS HONORING PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Individual Honors

OCSS annually recognizes members with Teacher-of-the-Year awards in elementary, middle and high school categories. There is also an award for Educator-of-the-Year recognizing a contributor from outside the classroom.

Recognizing Student Achievement

OCSS participates in the awards for Ohio History Day and gives the President’s Scholarship annually to an exemplary college student member who is planning a career in the field.

Awards Include: 

·         Teacher of the Year Awards

·         Social Studies Professional Award

·         Awards for University Students

·         The OCSS President’s Award