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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260222T161214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T205610Z
UID:10000407-1776798000-1776801600@ncge.org
SUMMARY:GeoCircle: Ripped from the Headlines - Bringing Current Events into the Geography Classroom
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nJoin us for an organic discussion and resource sharing about teaching Current Events in our classrooms. We all know that daily events can end up in our discussion as soon as they happen. What tools do you use? Do you wait to prepare for the conversation? How do you structure the discussions? Bring all this and join the conversation! \nThe Facilitator\nJane Highley is a middle and high school social studies teacher at Devon Preparatory School in Devon\, Pennsylvania where she teaches AP U.S. Government\, AP Human Geography\, AP Comparative Government\, and 8th Grade Civics & Citizenship. She is the 2024 winner of the Jack Miller Center K-12 Teaching Excellence Award\, which is awarded to an educator who demonstrates an exceptional ability to engage students in the story of America through their teaching. She is also a Distinguished Ambassador for CFR’s High School Teacher Ambassador Program\, in which Jane has actively participated for the past two years. Most recently\, Jane has been approved as a teacher-consultant for the AP Summer Institute in Human Geography. She earned degrees from the University of California\, the University of Pennsylvania\, and La Salle University. She is a 2017 recipient of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship and a 2025 recipient of the Discover Korea Research Fellowship. \nKyle Tredinnick is a classroom Geography teacher and Adjunct Professor in Omaha Nebraska. He is an NCGE Board Member and a CFR Teacher Ambassador. \n  \nJoin the Session\nAbout GeoCircles and Join the Session
URL:https://ncge.org/event/geocircle-ripped-from-the-headlines-bringing-current-events-into-the-geography-classroom/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:GeEd Circle
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/GeoCircle_Event_Pic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260329T145309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T145309Z
UID:10000413-1776884400-1776888000@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Esri StoryMaps - Part I
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nArcGIS StoryMaps have emerged as one of the most powerful and popular classroom tools from Esri in K12 education. Join us for this new\, two-part series as we help you find\, use\, and then create StoryMaps. The first\, hands-on webinar will focus on finding and using existing (or pre-built) StoryMaps to enhance your curriculum – across subject areas and grade bands. We’ll also show you how to quickly setup a free public account as we set the stage for creating your own StoryMaps. \nAudience Focus\nAll grade levels \nMeet the Presenter\nTom Baker is an education outreach manager at Esri\, Inc.\, where he develops\, manages\, and assesses a wide range of educational projects. Hi portfolio includes curriculum design and evaluation\, educational marketing\, technical development\, educational research\, and teacher training. His work spans higher education\, K12\, and informal. He has a great interest in universal design and learning for all.\n \nAccess the Webinar\n#open access | Join Webinar Here \nNot yet a member?  More info and Join today!
URL:https://ncge.org/event/esri-storymaps-part-i/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Webinar_StoryMap_2026_04_No-Date.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260329T145420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T145716Z
UID:10000414-1777489200-1777492800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Esri StoryMaps - Part II
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nArcGIS StoryMaps have emerged as one of the most powerful and popular classroom tools from Esri in K12 education. Join us for the second part of this two-part series as we help you find\, use\, and then create StoryMaps. \nPart-two of this hands-on StoryMap webinar series focuses on creating your own StoryMaps and sharing them with students. This session will include an overview of most of the tools available to StoryMap creators – and time to practice during the webinar. \nAudience Focus\nAll grade levels \nMeet the Presenter\nTom Baker is an education outreach manager at Esri\, Inc.\, where he develops\, manages\, and assesses a wide range of educational projects. Hi portfolio includes curriculum design and evaluation\, educational marketing\, technical development\, educational research\, and teacher training. His work spans higher education\, K12\, and informal. He has a great interest in universal design and learning for all.\n \nAccess the Webinar\n#open access | Join Webinar Here \nNot yet a member?  More info and Join today!
URL:https://ncge.org/event/esri-storymaps-part-ii/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Webinar_StoryMap_2026_04_No-Date.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260419T201841Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T204924Z
UID:10000415-1778698800-1778702400@ncge.org
SUMMARY:A Taste of JAHM:  The Jewish American Experience
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nJoin us as we celebrate 20 years of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM)! \nThat’s right! It’s been 2 decades since President George W. Bush announced that May 2006 would be considered Jewish American Heritage Month. A month dedicated to celebrating the peoplehood\, history\, and contributions of Jewish Americans – from the perseverance shown in the face of initial hardships upon arrival to their lasting impact on everything from medicine to civil rights. Explore why heritage months foster belonging and historical accuracy. Our Jewish American history content serves as a master toolkit for discussing any complex identity. To wrap up\, you receive seven “JAHM-sized” mini-lessons designed for seamless integration into your May classroom schedule. \nAudience Focus\nAll Grade Levels \nMeet the Presenter\nErika Lowery is a veteran educator with 29 years of experience and an accomplished educator with a comprehensive background in various educational capacities. Her professional journey has included instruction in middle and high school geography(all levels)\, supervision of secondary social studies programs\, and teaching elementary social studies methods at Baylor University. Currently\, she provides professional development to teachers across the southern region as an educator for the Institute for Curriculum Services. Ms. Lowery’s dedication and excellence have been recognized with several prestigious accolades\, including the National Council for Geographic Education Distinguished Teaching Achievement award in 2013\, her selection as the Texas Social Studies Supervisor of the Year in 2022\, and her service on the 2022 World Geography TEKS revision workgroup in Texas. \nAccess the Webinar\n#member only access | Join Webinar Here \nNot yet a member?  More info and Join today!
URL:https://ncge.org/event/beyond-belief-exploring-the-multifaceted-identities-of-jewish-americans/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Webinar_Beyond_Belief_2026_05_No-Title.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260419T204241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260419T205224Z
UID:10000416-1779217200-1779220800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:GeoCircle: Spatial Thinking IRL - Taking Your Geography Students Outside
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nAs spring continues and summer approaches\, let’s get the students outside. Join us for a casual discussion about how to teach spatial thinking out in the field (outside) with your students. There are so many opportunities for hands-on\, active learning. Whether you are a primary\, middle or high school teachers there are activities for everyone! Come with ideas and questions. \nThe Facilitator\nJoseph Kerski is a geographer with a focus on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in education. He has served as the President of the National Council for Geographic Education and has given 2 TED Talks on “The Whys of Where”. He holds 3 degrees in geography (BA\, MA\, PhD) and has served as geographer in 4 major sectors of society\, including government (NOAA\, US Census Bureau\, USGS)\, academia (University of Minnesota\, Harrisburg Area Community College\, Penn State University\, Sinte Gleska University\, University of Denver\, others)\, private industry (as Education Manager for Esri)\, and nonprofit organizations (with roles in geography and education associations). Joseph has authored over 100 chapters and articles\, and 200 podcasts on GIS\, education\, space\, place\, and related topics. He has visited over 350 schools and 400 universities around the world. He regularly conducts professional development for educators. He has created over 6\,200 videos\, 1\,000 lessons\, 1\,000 blog essays\, and authored 12 books\, including Interpreting Our World\, Spatial Thinking in Environmental Contexts\, Essentials of the Environment\, Spatial Mathematics\, Tribal GIS\, International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning\, the GIS Guide to Public Domain Data\, and others. But as a lifelong learner\, he feels as though he’s just getting started and thus actively seeks mentors\, partners\, and collaborators. \nJoin the Session\nAbout GeoCircles and Join the Session
URL:https://ncge.org/event/geocircle-spatial-thinking-irl-taking-your-geography-students-outside/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:GeEd Circle
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/GeoCircle_Event_Pic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T190000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260419T220234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260510T194906Z
UID:10000417-1779386400-1779390000@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Publishing with NCGE
DESCRIPTION:Overview\nHave a great lesson idea or trying something new in teaching geography that you would like to share? Consider publishing with the Journal of Geography or The Geography Teacher. This webinar will focus on the process\, possible topics\, and advantages of publishing with NCGE. \nAudience Focus\nAll grade levels \nMeet the Presenter\nKyle Tredinnick \nAccess the Webinar\n#open access | Join Webinar Here \nNot yet a member?  More info and Join today!
URL:https://ncge.org/event/publishing-with-ncge/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Webinar_Publishing_with_NCGE_No-title.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261016T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261018T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260112T161744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T130635Z
UID:10000400-1792137600-1792342800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:NCGE 2026 Annual Conference
DESCRIPTION:Geography on the Fall Line\n\n\n\n\nForm a spatial cluster with educators\, researchers\, and leaders in the discipline to network\, learn about new trends in educational practice and research\, and explore a place and region with historical roots and a dynamic modern environment. \nLearn More!
URL:https://ncge.org/event/ncge-2026-annual-conference/
LOCATION:Virginia Museum of History & Culture\, 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard\, Richmond\, Virginia\, 23220
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Conference_Date_2026-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T133000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T160709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T160709Z
UID:10000423-1792155600-1792157400@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Kickin' it Old School with Hands-on Learning tools
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis strategy is especially powerful in Human and Cultural Geography because it mirrors the way geographers analyze patterns\, relationships\, and spatial organization. In human geography\, students are constantly asked to categorize economic activities\, compare demographic trends\, evaluate political boundaries\, and interpret cultural diffusion. “Sorts” make these abstract processes tangible. \nWhen students physically group migration examples into push and pull factors\, classify agricultural systems by level of development\, or organize countries by demographic stage\, they are practicing core geographic thinking skills: pattern recognition\, scale analysis\, regional comparison\, and cause-and-effect reasoning. The discussion that emerges requires them to defend claims using evidence and precise vocabulary — reinforcing disciplinary literacy. \nThis strategy is especially powerful in Human and Cultural Geography because it mirrors the way geographers analyze patterns\, relationships\, and spatial organization. In human geography\, students are constantly asked to categorize economic activities\, compare demographic trends\, evaluate political boundaries\, and interpret cultural diffusion. “Sorts” make these abstract processes tangible. \nBy turning spatial analysis into a collaborative\, tactile experience\, “sorts” help students actively construct geographic understanding rather than passively receive it\, strengthening both conceptual mastery and critical thinking. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Human and Cultural Geography | Assessment \nConference Room\nHalsey Family Hall \nMeet the Presenters\nJim Dzialo\, Kolleen Madeck and Greg Sherwin have a combined 60 years of classroom experience across a multitude of disciplines\, including Human Geography\, Government\, Economics\, and Sociology. Beyond our own classrooms\, we have a long-standing commitment to the profession\, having designed and led professional development workshops focused on student-centered learning. Currently\, we are dedicated to evolving our curriculum through the lens of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and inquiry\, ensuring our students aren’t just learners\, but active investigators of the world around them. \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/kickin-it-old-school-with-hands-on-learning-tools/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Halsey Family Hall
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T134500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T154103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T154405Z
UID:10000422-1792155600-1792158300@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Death Valley Daze
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nDeath Valley National Park\, CA may be the most diverse geographically in the country. Death Valley is the hottest place on earth\, the driest and lowest place in North America and the largest NP outside of Alaska. From -282 Badwater\, the lowest place in the Western Hemisphere\, one can see the often snow-capped 11\,049′ Telescope Peak within the park. DVNP contains dunes\, rocks\, alluvial fans\, hills\, mesas\, buttes\, creosote\, Joshua trees\, fish\, birds\, reptiles\, amphibians\, minerals\, salt pans\, a ‘racetrack’\, a ‘golf course’\, a ‘castle’ and yes\, water to name a few. Using multimedia\, a variety of handouts and desert snacks\, a retired soldier who was stationed at Fort Irwin adjacent to the park will bring this park to life. If you love Geography\, DVNP should be on your to-do list. \n*Spread the love of Geography to my fellow educators by sharing my passion for one of the most geographically diverse parks around.\n*Any teacher can incorporate the geographic themes in a variety of lessons featuring this and other parks. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels| Physical & Environmental Geography | U.S. Focused \nConference Room\nCullen \nMeet the Presenters\nBrent Bagley\, a longtime geography educator\, NCGE Lifetime Member\, and retired U.S. Army veteran whose career reflects a deep commitment to both service and education. Brent served in the U.S. Army from 1983–2013 as a logistician supporting military operations and relief efforts\, including Operation Desert Storm\, post-9/11 deployments\, and Hurricane Katrina response efforts. \nWhile serving in the Army Reserves\, Brent taught AP and regular Geography courses at Murray County High School in Chatsworth\, Georgia\, from 1993–2008. During his teaching career\, he became actively involved with the National Council for Geographic Education\, presenting at local\, state\, and national conferences\, including NCGE conferences in Boston and Oklahoma City. He also completed AP Human Geography training at Texas A&M under Drs. Bob and Sarah Bednarz and participated in AP Human Geography Exam scoring sessions in Cincinnati\, Ohio. \nToday\, Brent continues his dedication to community service through his church\, the Lions Club\, and the American Legion\, where he serves as historian for Post 29 in Marietta\, Georgia.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/death-valley-daze/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Cullen
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T150000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T150007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T150241Z
UID:10000418-1792155600-1792162800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:250 Years of American Growth: Hands-on Explorations of U.S. Human Geography and History
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nU.S. history meets Human and Environmental Geography in this hands-on workshop that examines 250 years of America demography\, land and natural resource use\, and ecological milestones. After a brief introduction to the trends we’ll explore\, participants will spend most of the workshop engaging in collaborative classroom activities. One activity is a full-group role-play that’s a vehicle for comparing different demographic and development data points across the decades. In another activity participants construct and interpret population pyramids for different historical eras. Using historical census data\, participants will map U.S. population density and expansion across the country from eastern cities along the fall line (including Richmond) to metro areas in the West. We will also use archival census data to analyze connections between family size trends and a range of social and economic indicators. Our group will then create a timeline of environmental events that bridges physical and human geography. Lessons build skills in critical thinking\, data analysis and visualization\, using geographic tools and primary source documents. Participants will receive lesson plans and background readings in an electronic format\, matched to state standards\, the C3 Framework\, and AP Human Geography.. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | America 250 Through a Geographic Lens | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nReynolds Leadership Center \nMeet the Presenters\nCarol Bliese is the Senior Director of Teacher Programs for the Population Education (PopEd) program at the non-profit organization Population Connection. The program provides teaching materials\, professional development workshops\, and ongoing support for current and future K-12 teachers that focuses on environmental topics around sustainability and societal topics around global citizenship. Carol manages the day-to-day functioning of PopEd’s workshop program\, oversees the development of curriculum\, and participates in short and long-term strategic planning. She facilitates teacher training workshops\, in-person and online\, throughout the U.S. and Canada and has led over 850 workshops in her almost 20 years with the program\, including sessions for the National Council for the Social Studies\, National Science Teaching Association\, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics\, the North American Association of Environmental Education\, and the National Council of Geographic Education. \nCara Bora is an Education Program Associate with the Population Education (PopEd) program at the non-profit organization Population Connection. The program provides teaching materials\, professional development workshops\, and ongoing support for current and future K-12 teachers that focuses on environmental topics around sustainability and societal topics around global citizenship. She coordinates the Population Education workshops\, staff trips\, and program outreach in the northeastern part of the U.S. She also conducts workshops online and in-person across the country. Prior to joining PopEd\, Cara served as a Science Specialist for elementary grades and taught Science classes to middle schoolers.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/250-years-of-american-growth-hands-on-explorations-of-u-s-human-geography-and-history/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Reynolds Leadership Circle
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T150000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T150916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T150916Z
UID:10000419-1792155600-1792162800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Infusing Geography into Genealogy: Creating a Family Geography
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis workshop is designed to bring a lesson to a larger\, teaching professional\, audience. The Family Geography Project transforms the well-worn family tree into a more critical and more research aligned document that has served to enhance student understanding of the complex socioeconomic situations that create a each family’s geography. The essence of the project underscores the NCGE Strand “Geography for Life” and parallels the “America250 through a Geographic Lens” strand. The end result is a living document that can be added to as students continue their lifelong geographical journey. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels| Geography for Life | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nByrd \nMeet the Presenters\nJohnathan Walker is an Assistant Professor of Geography at James Madison University in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. He holds degrees in Geography from the University of California-Berkely (A.B.)\, Syracuse University (M.A.) and University of Georgia (Ph.D.). He primality teaches World Regional Geography in support of the General Education curriculum. He is the JMU 2026 recipient of the Provost’s Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching. \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/infusing-geography-into-genealogy-creating-a-family-geography/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Byrd
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T150000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T152447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T152447Z
UID:10000421-1792155600-1792162800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Mental Maps & The Holocaust: Teaching Facts and Perspective Using Geo-Literacy Skills
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nExamining the Holocaust spatially positions students to think about genocide in new ways. In documenting the Holocaust following World War II\, war crimes investigators from the state and the Jewish community asked eyewitnesses to create mental maps of Treblinka. For human geographers\, mental mapping represents an opportunity to understand how people perceive a particular place\, capturing objective knowledge and subjective perceptions and impressions of a place (National Geographic Society\, 2024). In this session\, participants will grapple with the question: How do we teach the Holocaust with accuracy while also teaching the subjectivity of mental maps? Using war crime investigation maps of Treblinka\, we developed a lesson that requires students to (1) examine the topography surrounding Treblinka\, (2) compare maps for content and visualization\, (3) analyze how the depiction of Treblinka in Holocaust survivor memoirs compare to the maps\, (4) assess how the perspective of the witness influenced the mental map\, and (5) discuss the validity of the maps for use in postwar war crimes trials. Through this lesson\, students understand how maps can be representations of both data and perceptions and the role spatial thinking can play in documenting atrocities and holding perpetrators accountable. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels| Human and Cultural Geography | World History \nConference Room\nLacy \nMeet the Presenters\nJeff Eargle is a clinical associate professor at the University of South Carolina where he serves as the Secondary Social Studies Program Coordinator in the College of Education. He is the coeditor of the forthcoming two-volume book Teaching Holocaust Geographies in Middle and High School from Palgrave Macmillan \n  \nChad Gibbs is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Zucker/Goldberg Center for Holocaust Studies at the College of Charleston. His book\, Survival at Treblinka: Geography\, Gender\, and Social Networks in Jewish Resistance\, was recently published by the University of Wisconsin Press. \n  \nBethany M. Sanders is a doctoral student in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina and a high school social studies teacher in the South Carolina public school system. She received NCGE’s K–12 Distinguished Teaching Award in 2024\, and her doctoral studies focus on teaching geo-literacy in the secondary classroom. \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/mental-maps-the-holocaust-teaching-facts-and-perspective-using-geo-literacy-skills/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Lacy
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T134500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T141500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T161736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T163018Z
UID:10000424-1792158300-1792160100@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Count Me In! Using Labs to Teach Population Geography
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn this session\, we will discuss how to use laboratory assignments to teach population geography. Population geography connects diverse topics including sustainability\, economics\, politics\, and culture. Using labs to teach this topic allows students to use real world data to deepen their understanding of population geography concepts. In this session\, we will begin with an overview of teaching population geography\, connecting it to geography and social studies standards. In the second part\, examples of labs will be introduced\, including the topics of international censuses\, population policy campaigns\, age specific fertility rates\, and migration patterns. While the session is geared toward the college classroom\, the content is easily adaptable to middle and high school grades. Lab assignments will be shared with attendees. \nSession Focus\nHigher Education | Human and Cultural Geography | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nHalsey Family Hall \nMeet the Presenters\nGillian Acheson is a professor in the Department of Geography & GIS at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She teaches a variety of courses including World Regions\, Human Geography\, Population Geography\, Spatial Thinking & Behavior\, Geography of Food\, and Geography and Social Justice. Her research interests are in geography education and the cultural landscape with publications ranging from map reading and comprehension to representation of women in introductory geography textbooks to the cultural landscape of cemeteries.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/count-me-in-using-labs-to-teach-population-geography-2/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Halsey Family Hall
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T143000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T162511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T162744Z
UID:10000425-1792159200-1792161000@ncge.org
SUMMARY:From Trends to Teaching: Navigating Tensions and Charting a Future for Geography Education Research
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nAs instructional time for social studies continues to shrink in many K–12 settings\, geography educators face increasing pressure to demonstrate the relevance\, rigor\, and interdisciplinary potential of the discipline. This session invites participants into a discussion of current trends in geography education\, including effective teaching\, data-visualization\, geospatial technologies\, and STEM aligned inquiry that positions geography as essential to real world problem solving. Broader implications in the field of education and impacts of state policy changes are explored. Participants will consider actionable approaches for integrating geography into interdisciplinary instruction\, expanding its presence in the elementary and secondary curriculum\, and advocating for its continued visibility in the broader social studies landscape. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Geography for Life | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nCullen \nMeet the Presenters\nDr. Mary D. Curtis is an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake in the College of Education where she coordinates the Social Studies teacher preparation program. Dr. Curtis is a geography educator with over 20 years of experience and service from local to international levels. She currently serves as the Vice Chair for the Association of American Geographers Geography Education Specialty Group and as Associate Editor for the Journal of Geography. \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/from-trends-to-teaching-navigating-tensions-and-charting-a-future-for-geography-education-research/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Cullen
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T150000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T163419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T163419Z
UID:10000426-1792161000-1792162800@ncge.org
SUMMARY:International Efforts to Improve Geography Teaching and Learning
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis presentation focuses on an upcoming book – International Perspectives on Geography Education (Edward Elgar\, 2026) – that highlights the actions taken by geography educators who work to improve the teaching and learning of geographic content. Much that is published in geography education today is pessimistic and bemoans the status of the discipline compared to other academic areas\, the difficulty in training quality geography teachers\, and the poor performance of students with the subject’s content and skills (such as map reading\, analysis\, and construction). While these challenges are certainly present\, this book seeks to highlight the successes seen in three main areas: student learning\, teacher preparation\, and teacher professional development. The book is\, therefore\, one that is positive\, optimistic\, and showcases for the reader actions that are worth emulating in other places. The presenter will share the successes of authors representing Australia\, Belize\, Brazil\, Chile\, Czechia\, Germany\, South Africa\, Singapore\, and the United States \nSession Focus\nHigher Education | Geography for Life | World/International  \nConference Room\nHalsey Family Hall \nMeet the Presenters\nJerry Mitchell is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Geography at the University of South Carolina. He is a past president of the NCGE and a Fellow of the American Association of Geographers.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/international-efforts-to-improve-geography-teaching-and-learning/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Halsey Family Hall
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T154500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T164254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T164254Z
UID:10000427-1792163700-1792165500@ncge.org
SUMMARY:The Geospatial Semester at 22: Tales from the Field
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe Geospatial Semester is a unique and innovative project that connects high school students and geospatial technologies to bolster their spatial problem solving and open them up to the myriad careers across the many industries that use these technologies. Students earn dual enrollment credit from JMU and are required to do an extensive project of their own choosing. Since its inception in 2005\, more than 10\,000 students have participated. We have done a wide array of research to identify the key cognitive and behavioral gains afforded to participating students. In this short presentation\, we’ll give a brief introduction to the Geospatial Semester\, share examples of student work and discuss the key research findings. Most importantly\, you’ll find out how you can bring this successful project to your school \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Geospatial Technology | STEM \nConference Room\nReynolds Leadership Center \nMeet the Presenters\nBob Kolvoord is a professor at James Madison University (JMU)\, where he also serves as Interim Provost. Bob is the co-creator (with Kathryn Keranen) of the Geospatial Semester\, the award-winning dual enrollment program at JMU that brings GIS instruction and projects to students in Virginia. Bob is also the co-author of the Making Spatial Decisions series from ESRI Press. He is interested in how GIS use impacts students’ spatial thinking and problem solving abilities and has collaborated with colleagues at Northwestern\, Georgetown\, Dartmouth\, American and Gallaudet to study this question.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/the-geospatial-semester-at-22-tales-from-the-field/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Reynolds Leadership Circle
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T154500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T171929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T171929Z
UID:10000430-1792163700-1792165500@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Stories of the Chesapeake
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nStories of the Chesapeake offers a compelling glimpse into the cultures\, communities\, and environmental challenges of America’s estuary\, the Chesapeake Bay. As one of the nation’s most important natural laboratories for geographic inquiry\, the region provides a powerful example of how physical landscapes and human systems interact across space and time. Stretching across six states and the District of Columbia\, the Bay’s vast watershed is shaped by rivers that meander toward the Atlantic\, carrying sediment\, nutrients\, and pollution. These waterways reveal critical connections among land use\, urban planning\, agriculture\, food systems\, water quality\, and climate change. \nThe Chesapeake Bay is also deeply connected to life along the Fall Line—the natural boundary where the Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain—where cities emerged and commerce flourished. From Old Point Comfort to pivotal moments such as the War of 1812\, the presentation highlights the Bay’s layered geography and enduring significance. Together\, these stories illuminate a dynamic system that continues to shape the environmental\, economic\, and cultural identity of the region. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | America250 through a Geographic Lens\, Physical & Environmental Geography\, Human and Cultural Geography | World/International \nConference Room\nCullen \nMeet the Presenters\nMichael Allen\, Ph.D.\, is an Associate Professor of Geography at Towson University\, 2023 U.S. Fulbright Scholar to Serbia\, and President-Elect of the International Society of Biometeorology. Prior\, he served as co-coordinator of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and Geography Program Director at Old Dominion University. Since 2019\, Michael has coordinated the Chesapeake Bay Climate Institute\, a hands-on professional development experience highlighting America’s Estuary\, drawing linkages between APHG and other disciplines to the issue of climate change and resilience.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/stories-of-the-chesapeake/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Cullen
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T160000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T165113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T165113Z
UID:10000428-1792163700-1792166400@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Demarcation Demographics in East Asia
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn the late 20th and early 21st centuries\, a “fall line” was created on the coastal plain of China when Special Economic Zones were created by government fiat. This presentation will examine the demographic and lifestyle changes that ensued. It will also look at similar changes that occurred during the same time period in Japan. Teaching suggestions and resources will be introduced including award-winning young adult and children’s literature about East Asia focused on this topic. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Human and Cultural Geography | World/International \nConference Room\nByrd \nMeet the Presenters\nNancy Hope is Executive Director of the Freeman Book Awards. Formerly\, she was Associate Director of the Kansas Consortium for Teaching about Asia\, a line-officer in the U.S. Navy\, a textile designer and dyer of kimono in Japan where she lived for more than eight years\, and an educational media specialist at the Children’s Museum in Boston.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/demarcation-demographics-in-east-asia/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Byrd
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T160000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T170402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T170402Z
UID:10000429-1792163700-1792166400@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Art\, Dance\, Theatre\, Oh My! Using Arts-Methodologies in the Geography Classroom
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nCome explore how art\, dance\, theatre\, and other creative methodologies can deepen student understanding of geography! In this session\, participants will engage in hands-on activities that bring historical narratives\, social movements\, and global issues to life through tableau theatre\, protest art\, and cartographic storytelling. Attendees will walk away with ready-to-use lesson ideas\, creative assessment strategies\, and a renewed vision for incorporating art into their classroom \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Human and Cultural Geography | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nLacy \nMeet the Presenters\nBethany M. Sanders is a doctoral student in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina and a high school social studies teacher in the South Carolina public school system. She received NCGE’s K–12 Distinguished Teaching Award in 2024\, and her doctoral studies focus on teaching geo-literacy in the secondary classroom. \n  \nJessica Flach
URL:https://ncge.org/event/art-dance-theatre-oh-my-using-arts-methodologies-in-the-geography-classroom-2/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Lacy
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T163000
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T173358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T173407Z
UID:10000431-1792166400-1792168200@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Myth\, Trolls\, and Tectonics: Using Storytelling to Teach Physical Geography
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIceland’s dramatic landscapes are deeply intertwined with a rich tradition of storytelling\, where myths and folklore once served to explain the “unexplainable” in the physical world. This presentation demonstrates how geography educators can leverage such narratives to help K–12 students make sense of core physical geography processes\, from coastal erosion to volcanism and river flooding. Grounded in a constructivist and inquiry-based approach\, the lesson framework invites students to interpret stories\, question “why\,” and then connect folkloric explanations with scientific concepts. \nParticipants will experience a short-version lesson in which students are given a myth and asked to identify the underlying physical process and explain it scientifically. A longer version extends this work over one or more weeks by having students locate a myth from any culture\, analyze the physical geography embedded in the story\, and draw parallels between cultural and scientific explanations. Additional examples from other cultures illustrate how this approach can be adapted across regions and grade levels. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use lesson structures\, ideas for sourcing culturally diverse myths\, and strategies for fostering reflective\, interrogative classroom discussions that deepen students’ understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems while honoring multiple ways of knowing \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Physical & Environmental Geography | Inquiry \nConference Room\nReynolds Leadership Circle \nMeet the Presenters\nMayra Román-Rivera \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/myth-trolls-and-tectonics-using-storytelling-to-teach-physical-geography/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Reynolds Leadership Circle
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T164500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T173926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T173926Z
UID:10000432-1792167300-1792169100@ncge.org
SUMMARY:How Students Can Apply “The Ten Steps of Walkability” to Evaluate Any Downtown
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nIn his book\, Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America\, One Step at a Time (2012)\, Jeff Speck offers ten planning steps for creating American downtowns that are useful\, safe\, comfortable\, and interesting. While the ten steps emphasize walkability\, they include improvements to land use\, public transit\, bicycle use\, and traffic flow. In this presentation\, I demonstrate how to use Speck’s “Ten Steps” to design a downtown field exercise for university geography students. After reading and discussing the ten steps\, my students participated in a guided walk of downtown Edwardsville\, Illinois\, to collect notes and photos of their observations. They were instructed to answer two questions as they wrote up their results: (1) What does the city do well to promote walkability? and (2) How could walkability in downtown be improved? The assignment concluded with a short paper and an in-class discussion of their results. The surprising outcome of this discussion was students’ desire to learn more about the planning decisions behind what they saw in the field. Applying Speck’s “Ten Steps” gives students the structure to make sense of their field observations and draw meaningful conclusions. \nSession Focus\nHigher Education | Human and Cultural Geography | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nByrd \nMeet the Presenters\nDr. Susan Hume is a professor in the Department of Geography & GIS at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She believes in the power of field study in geographic education and has made field-based assignments an integral part of her urban geography and sustainable transportation courses. Susan is a lifetime member and past president of NCGE. \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/how-students-can-apply-the-ten-steps-of-walkability-to-evaluate-any-downtown/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Byrd
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T164500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013253
CREATED:20260524T174442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T174442Z
UID:10000433-1792167300-1792169100@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Resources for Teaching Political Geography
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nTeaching political geography can be an especially complicated task as foreign relations issues are now flash points for cultural and academic debate. This session is designed to connect educators with high-quality non-partisan materials to help teach foreign relations\, and how to connect to the content and practices of political geography. Using practice-based methodologies to engage students in “doing” geography\, one of the goals of this session is to give teachers ideas on how to get students working with geographic data to involve students in learning concepts while examining real-world situations. \nSession Focus\nSecondary/High School | Human and Cultural Geography & Geography for Life | Government and Civics \nConference Room\nLacy \nMeet the Presenters\nDr. Kyle Tredinnick \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/resources-for-teaching-political-geography/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Lacy
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261017
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261018
DTSTAMP:20260525T013254
CREATED:20260524T184641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T184641Z
UID:10000434-1792195200-1792281599@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Poster Session: Using Extracurricular Programs to Further Geographic Education
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe International Scholars Program is an innovative\, student-centered initiative designed to extend geographic education beyond the traditional classroom. Grounded in inquiry-based and interdisciplinary learning\, the program immerses students in the study of global geographies\, cultures\, governments\, economies\, and histories through sustained\, experiential engagement. Participants engage in structured book studies\, cultural analyses\, collaborative inquiry sessions\, academic research projects\, and community presentations. The program also incorporates guest speakers and local partnerships to connect global themes to lived experiences. \nBy intentionally integrating academic rigor with experiential exploration\, the International Scholars Program cultivates geographic literacy\, critical thinking\, cultural competence\, and civic awareness. Students move beyond memorization of places and facts to develop spatial understanding\, global interdependence awareness\, and informed perspectives on contemporary international issues. \nThis poster will outline the program’s design framework\, implementation strategies\, and sample learning cycles. Attendees will gain practical tools for adapting the model to diverse educational settings. The International Scholars Program demonstrates how structured\, inquiry-driven enrichment can meaningfully advance geographic education and prepare students for engaged global citizenship. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Human and Cultural Geography | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room/Area\nCommonwealth Hall \nMeet The Presenter\nJustin McCrackin \n 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/poster-session-using-extracurricular-programs-to-further-geographic-education/
LOCATION:Conference Area: Commonwealth Hall
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261017
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261018
DTSTAMP:20260525T013254
CREATED:20260524T185204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T185519Z
UID:10000435-1792195200-1792281599@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Poster Session: Assessing the landscape of introductory undergraduate courses in the U.S.
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nWith the support of an NSF IUSE: ITYC collaborative planning grant\, the presenters are looking to invigorate the teaching of undergraduate introductory geography courses\, which define the discipline for thousands of undergraduates. They can also be the spark to draw students to major in geography and related fields. We wonder whether the standard survey approach for teaching introductory courses effectively recruits students to further study in geography or does justice to the discipline of geography\, particularly newer branches of the field. \nOur first step is to assemble a picture of the current landscape of undergraduate introductory geography courses. In collaboration with the American Association of Geographers\, we are conducting a broad survey of our own of geography department heads\, program directors\, and instructors\, regarding which courses are taught\, the status of instructors who teach these courses\, the format and types of materials for these courses\, and enrollment data\, among other elements. This poster will display our findings to date and invite NCGE attendees to contribute to the data\, if they have not already\, and to join a growing community of practice of undergraduate introductory geography instructors. \nSession Focus\nHigher Education | Geography for Life | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room/Area\nCommonwealth Hall \nMeet The Presenter\nDr. Tamar Y. Rothenberg is Professor in the Department of History at Bronx Community College – City University of New York\, where she currently teaches World Regional Geography and History of the Modern World. Her publications include the book Presenting America’s World: Strategies of Innocence in National Geographic Magazine\, 1888-1945 (Ashgate/Routledge 2007); an article with Karen M. Morin\, “Our Theories\, Ourselves: Hierarchies of Place and Status in Academia\,” ACME 10(1)\, 2011; chapters in Geography and Empire\, ed. Godlewska and Smith (Blackwell 1994) and Mapping Desire\, ed. Bell and Valentine (Routledge 1995)\, and with Karen M. Morin and Mona Domosh\, co-edited a special section on feminist historical geography for Historical Geography (2016). She has a BA in History from Wesleyan University\, and MA and PhD in Geography from Rutgers University. \n  \nCadey Korson is Professor of Geography at St Clair County Community College in Michigan and Fellow of Advance HE. Her research focuses on place-based pedagogies\, Indigenous rights and digital storytelling/mapping. These interests have resulted in a variety of transdisciplinary projects\, including The Spatial Awareness Project short film and podcast series on land use classifications in Aotearoa New Zealand\, working with iwi to co-create digital storymaps that embed mātauranga Māori\, exploring perceptions of social license to operate in the agrifood sector\, and documenting the social impact of conservation volunteerism. Recently\, Cadey has been awarded a grant from the National Geographic Society to coordinate a student-led streambank restoration project along the Belle River in Columbus County Park\, USA\, as a National Geographic Explorer.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/poster-session-assessing-the-landscape-of-introductory-undergraduate-courses-in-the-u-s/
LOCATION:Conference Area: Commonwealth Hall
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261017
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261018
DTSTAMP:20260525T013254
CREATED:20260524T190247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T190247Z
UID:10000436-1792195200-1792281599@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Poster Session: Revolutionary Crossroads
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nRevolutionary Crossroads is a poster session that shows how geography shaped key events of the American Revolution. Developed through the Revolutionary Crossroads field experience with the Virginia Geographic Alliance\, the presentation focuses on how rivers\, terrain\, and transportation routes in the Hudson and Mohawk River Valleys influenced movement\, settlement\, and military strategy. The poster provides simple\, classroom-ready ideas that help students understand why history happened where it did while supporting America250 instruction. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | America250 through a Geographic Lens | U.S. History \nConference Room/Area\nCommonwealth Hall \nMeet The Presenter\nTeaching in a rural\, former coal-mining and tobacco growing region\, Alex Long is both a History/Government/Appalachian History & folklore instructor\, as well as an English literature instructor in Virginia and East Tennessee; in high school\, and at two local universities. For the past twelve years\, he has brought both high school and university students out of their shells to share their stories and understand our local histories and culture; all to better inform those around them and around the world. Additionally\, he has been a guest lecturer for Eighteenth Century British Drama and Fiction at Oxford University for three years\, as well as a lecturer in Scots-Irish/Appalachian folklore at the University of Edinburgh. All these experiences combined have led him to working with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum-Bristol to help visitors\, students\, and educators dig deeper into the rich and diverse culture they have in Appalachia. He is furthering his research into his area\, along with the rest of Virginia\, to continue sharing the importance Virginia still is in the history of our nation; along with the vitality of the Appalachian region in the early history and growth of the state and nation. This is in conjunction with sharing the “true” story of Appalachia as not a region of disparity\, but of history which changed the world\, rich storytelling\, an Indigenous and European melting pot\, and the agricultural lifeblood for our early nation through the recent 21st century. \n \nSkyler Verloop teaches social studies and serves as the AVID Coordinator at Lewis High School in Springfield\, Virginia. He is an advocate for place-based learning and college access\, and has secured grants to provide students with experiential learning opportunities at colleges\, museums\, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine\, Gettysburg National Military Park\, and Shenandoah National Park. Skyler is dedicated to fostering student success\, promoting critical thinking\, and preparing students to pursue higher education and lifelong learning. He also serves as the Social Media Coordinator and Secretary for the Virginia Geographic Alliance\, where he supports educators in advancing geographic literacy\, spatial thinking\, and community engagement.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/poster-session-revolutionary-crossroads/
LOCATION:Conference Area: Commonwealth Hall
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T082500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T085500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013254
CREATED:20260524T191536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T191536Z
UID:10000437-1792225500-1792227300@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Designing Flexible Learning Pathways: Implementing BLPL in a World Geography Classroom
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThis case study investigates how a high school geography teacher implemented blended and personalized learning (BLPL) in a World Geography course to support student learning within a BLPL framework. The instructional design integrated structured classroom routines\, flexible pacing\, and digital supports\, including a progress-monitoring tool\, to create multiple pathways for student engagement with geographic content. Early in the semester\, instruction emphasized scaffolding classroom procedures and supporting students’ use of technology. Over time\, these supports shifted toward fostering greater student autonomy and sustained engagement. Findings illustrate how BLPL enables teachers to respond to learner variability\, balance instructional structure with student independence\, and design differentiated learning experiences that deepen geographic understanding. \nIn this session\, attendees will learn concrete instructional strategies and practitioner insights drawn from the case study. The presentation will highlight how BLPL structures can be designed and adapted to support learners in World Geography classrooms. Attendees will explore how BLPL structures can be designed and adapted for secondary geography classrooms and will gain access to a curated website featuring authentic BLPL case examples\, along with a printed resource guide. Whether new to BLPL or refining existing practices\, attendees will leave with actionable strategies applicable to their own instructional contexts. \nSession Focus\nAll Grade Levels | Geography for Life | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nReynolds Leadership Center \nMeet the Presenters\nSojung Huh is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas Tech University. Her research focuses on teacher education and technology integration in K–12 classrooms. She is particularly interested in how geography education and geospatial technologies can support inquiry-based learning\, as well as blended and personalized learning.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/designing-flexible-learning-pathways-implementing-blpl-in-a-world-geography-classroom/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Reynolds Leadership Circle
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T082500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T085500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013254
CREATED:20260524T193253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T193253Z
UID:10000438-1792225500-1792227300@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Teaching Teachers to ‘See’ Place: Integrating Geospatial Technology to Transform Elementary Teacher
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nThe editors of the two NCGE journals – the Geography Teacher and the Journal of Geography – invite you to learn about the publication process for the journals and how you can become a successful author. Take half an hour to learn about preparing and submitting manuscripts\, completing the publishing process as an author\, and supporting the discipline as a reviewer. Attendees will be able to ask questions and solicit publication advice for the rest of the session. \nSession Focus \nAll Grade Levels | Physical & Environmental Geography |  STEM \nConference Room\nByrd \nMeet the Presenters\nDr. Mary D. Curtis is an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake in the College of Education where she coordinates the Social Studies teacher preparation program. Dr. Curtis is a geography educator with over 20 years of experience and service from local to international levels. She currently serves as the Vice Chair for the Association of American Geographers Geography Education Specialty Group and as Associate Editor for the Journal of Geography.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/teaching-teachers-to-see-place-integrating-geospatial-technology-to-transform-elementary-teacher/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Byrd
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ncge.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2026_NCGE_Conference_Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T082500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T085500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013254
CREATED:20260524T194026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T194026Z
UID:10000439-1792225500-1792227300@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Textbook...Beyond the Exam: Bridging AP Human Geography Students to Geographic Practice
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nRecent calls from geographers\, including AAG President William Moseley—notably in his 2025 NCGE address—emphasize strengthening the vital bridge between K-12 and college geography educators. Despite robust AP Human Geography (APHG) enrollment\, geography remains a “discovery degree” with students rarely considering it beyond high school. This presentation addresses this pipeline challenge through a model for post-AP exam experiential outreach that engages students directly with geographic practice. Building effective bridges requires engagement from both sides: AP teachers willing to connect with college faculty\, and geography professors willing to reach beyond university walls. Drawing on our combined experience as an APHG teacher\, APHG reader\, and college geography professor\, this presentation describes designing a campus visit where post-AP exam students engage in hands-on geographic investigation using college-level tools and methods across multiple sub-disciplinary areas. The presentation will share the framework for designing meaningful experiential connections between APHG curriculum and college geography practice\, discuss findings from implementation\, and explore challenges in building these two-way relationships. Attendees will gain practical guidance for creating similar outreach initiatives adaptable to their institutional contexts\, whether as AP teachers seeking college partnerships or faculty engaging high school geography students. \nSession Focus \nAPHG Educators | Geography for Life | Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nLacy \nMeet the Presenters\nDr. Thomas R. Craig is an Assistant Professor of Geography and Geographic Information Science in the Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences at South Dakota State University. With nearly two decades of experience as a geography educator spanning both secondary and higher education\, Dr. Craig brings a unique perspective to bridging these often-separate worlds. He has served as an Advanced Placement Human Geography exam reader for ten years and previously taught high school social studies for five years before completing his Ph.D. in Geography from Oklahoma State University. \nKim McCullough teaches AP Human Geography\, World Regional Geography\, Geography of Religion\, and AP European History at Brookings High School. She earned her Master’s degree in Geography from South Dakota State University in 2003. Before joining Brookings High School\, she taught at the Flandreau Indian School\, served as an instructor in SDSU’s Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences\, and taught at George S. Mickelson Middle School in Brookings.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/beyond-the-textbook-beyond-the-exam-bridging-ap-human-geography-students-to-geographic-practice/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Lacy
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T082500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T085500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013254
CREATED:20260524T194721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T194721Z
UID:10000440-1792225500-1792227300@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Map your World: Empowering Students with OpenStreetMap
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nOpenStreetMap is the world’s largest crowdsourced geospatial database\, powering thousands of applications across corporate\, government\, nonprofit\, and academic sectors. As a free and community-driven project\, anyone can contribute and anyone can use the data. As a tool for teaching geography\, OpenStreetMap (OSM) is unparalleled. Mapping\, as a classroom activity\, fosters spatial awareness and locational intelligence; open mapping helps students become active engaged citizens where they help others in their community and around the world. \nTeachOSM (A program of OpenStreetMap US) is an open resource hub and community network for students and educators to develop geospatial skills and increase civic engagement through project-based learning via OpenStreetMap. Through monthly Working Group meetings and asynchronous collaboration\, TeachOSM members maintain a central repository of learning materials & resources designed for educators\, facilitate a community of practice by networking educators and hosting mentors\, and maintain or advocate for tools that improve the ability for educators to integrate OpenStreetMap into their classrooms and curriculum. Learn about the work of TeachOSM\, the OpenStreetMap project\, and see case studies of how OSM has been utilized in the classroom. \nSession Focus \nAll Grade Levels | Geospatial Technology | Open Data \nConference Room\nCullen \nMeet the Presenters\nAlyssa Castronuovo is the Program Coordinator at OpenStreetMap US\, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting OpenStreetMap and its community of mappers. In her role she supports the TeachOSM program\, which connects educators interested in implementing OSM in their classrooms to educational materials\, shared resources\, and the wider OSM community. She loves exploring the beautifully mapped bike and pedestrian infrastructure in her home of Richmond\, Virginia. 
URL:https://ncge.org/event/map-your-world-empowering-students-with-openstreetmap/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Cullen
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T082500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T085500
DTSTAMP:20260525T013254
CREATED:20260524T195948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T195948Z
UID:10000441-1792225500-1792227300@ncge.org
SUMMARY:Mapping the Professional Fall Line: A Grades 4-12 Geospatial Careers & GIS Curriculum
DESCRIPTION:Summary\nHow do we find tomorrow’s geospatial professionals today? The answer lies in “backwards mapping” industry requirements directly into our K-12 classrooms. \nJoin the author and presenter for a deep dive into Geospatial Approaches and Careers\, a curriculum passion project designed to bridge the gap between foundational education and professional practice. This session demonstrates how to scaffold high-level GIS workforce standards—such as executive briefing and professional data evaluation—into developmentally appropriate experiences for students starting as early as 4th grade. \nBy integrating interdisciplinary standards with geospatial thinking\, technology\, and advocacy\, this framework prepares students to move from classroom learners to industry-ready analysts. Attendees will explore a 4-12 pipeline that connects NGSS\, C3 Framework\, and AP Human Geography skills to the missions of agencies like the Department of Homeland Security. \nWhether you are a classroom teacher\, a school leader\, or a policy broker\, you are invited to explore these possibilities and discuss strategies for implementation in your own learning community. \nAttendee Take-away: Participants will receive a digital “Geospatial Career Readiness Toolkit\,” featuring the full curriculum draft\, the Parkdale GIS Graphic Organizer\, and the Professional Executive Brief Rubric. \nHow can we bridge the gap between classroom geography and the high-demand geospatial workforce? This session introduces a modular consultancy model derived from the Geospatial Approaches and Careers project. Rather than a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum\, this model offers a “backwards-mapped” framework that allows educational leaders to implement geospatial career pathways in part or in whole\, depending on their local resources and goals. \nThe presenter will demonstrate how to adapt industry-standard requirements—such as Executive Briefing and GIS Data Evaluation—for diverse settings\, including elementary enrichment\, middle school STEM modules\, and high school CTE programs. We will explore how these “pluggable” units align with NGSS\, C3\, and APHG standards to create a professional pipeline that is both developmentally appropriate and industry-aligned. \nSession Focus \nAll Grade Levels  | Geospatial Technology\, Human and Cultural Geography\,  & Geography for Life| Curriculum and Instruction \nConference Room\nRobins Family Forum Theater \nMeet the Presenter\nDaniel Joseph Whalen is an educational leader with a 22-year career dedicated to fostering student engagement and spatial literacy. Currently serving as an Assistant Principal in Las Vegas\, New Mexico\, his passion for geography is deeply rooted in his own diverse geographic upbringing—from the industrial heart of Pittsburgh to the close-knit\, multi-generational farming villages of upstate New York. Holding a BA in History from SUNY Albany and an MA in Educational Leadership from The George Washington University\, Daniel brings a profound understanding of how community\, environment\, and a “sense of place” shape student identity and achievement. \nOver his 18-year tenure with Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland\, Daniel became a driving force in geographic and spatial science education. He spent a decade in the classroom teaching AP Human Geography and was instrumental in shaping the district’s instructional framework\, including co-authoring the AP Human Geography elective curriculum. Recognizing the critical importance of geospatial technologies\, he later transitioned into Career and Technical Education (CTE). In this capacity\, he pioneered pathways for students by developing and teaching comprehensive curricula for Homeland Security Science\, Digital Cartography\, and Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS). \nA dedicated advocate for geographic education at the national level\, Daniel is thrilled to connect with fellow educators and leaders at the National Council for Geographic Education annual conference. He brings a wealth of assessment and mentorship experience to the geography community\, having served as an AP Human Geography Reader since 2009 and a College Board Table Leader since 2023. As a Certified Geospatial Educator (GeoEdC) and a 2018-2019 American Geographic Society Fellow\, Daniel has consistently championed spatial education\, supported by his leadership as Treasurer of the Maryland Geographic Alliance and his history of presenting on GIS integration at previous NCGE and Towson University conferences. \nToday\, Daniel applies his geographer’s lens to school-wide administration\, guiding educators to build innovative CTE pathways to graduation. In his administrative roles\, he integrates character education and community-specific values into the curriculum—equipping students not just for the global workforce\, but to lead and serve locally in Meadow City. Whether developing school-wide instructional strategies or serving as the energetic “SportsCenter” voice celebrating student milestones\, Daniel remains fiercely committed to elevating expectations\, celebrating student success\, and expanding access to high-quality geographic education.
URL:https://ncge.org/event/mapping-the-professional-fall-line-a-grades-4-12-geospatial-careers-gis-curriculum/
LOCATION:Conference Room: Robins Family Forum Theater
CATEGORIES:Conference Sessions
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