Context, Input and Implementation Challenges on Learning Outcomes in Geography
2025-10-18 16:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Iowa
Summary
Evidence has shown that some of the objectives of geography are hardly met. Research interests have been more on interventions especially on strategies to improve students’ learning outcomes in Geography than on evaluation of the context, input and implementation challenges. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate students’ perception, curriculum objectives, content, resources, time allotted, methods of teaching, pedagogical practices, and implementation challenges on learning outcomes in geography. The descriptive survey design was adopted. The multi-stage sampling method was deployed to select 94 teachers and 1800 students of geography. Students’ perception contributed most to achievement (b=0.08; t= 4.02; P<0.05), content had the most contribution to skills attainment (b=0.01; t= 0.39; P>0.05) while, students’ perception also had the highest contribution to practices (b=0.24; t=13.33; P<0.05). All independent variables contributed jointly to students’ achievement, skills and practices.
Session Focus
Secondary/High School | Curriculum and Instruction | Geography Curriculum, Learning Outcomes, Teaching and Learning
Conference Room
Iowa
Meet the Presenter
Dr. Abimbola Andrew Olayemi is the Principal of Jemibewon International Academy, Kogi State, Nigeria. He holds a Ph.D. in Arts and Social Sciences Education, with research interests in Geography Education, Climate Change Education, Social Studies Education, and Curriculum Evaluation. With over a decade of teaching experience at the secondary school level, Dr. Olayemi has published articles in reputable journals and authored e-books, including “How to Excel in a School System” and “Geography Beyond the Classroom.
Peter A. Amosun, Ph.D is a Professor of Social Studies Education and Geography Education at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Prof. Amosun’s research interests cut across Social Studies and Civic Education, Environmental Education, Climate Change Education, Geography Education, Internet Crime Prevention, and Curriculum and Instruction. He has made tremendous impact in promoting geography education within and outside the University community through scholarly work with local and international benefits. To his credits are several local and international journal articles, chapters in books and books. Professor Amosun is currently the Director, Centre for General Studies in the University of Ibadan. He was the immediate past Head, Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, University of Ibadan. He has supervised tens of undergraduate and Postgraduate students. He has acted as external examiners within and outside Nigeria. He has mentored many students who are now occupying strategic places and position in the academia both within and outside Nigeria.

Exploring South Asia Through Literature: Using Award-Winning Books to Enrich Geography Education
2025-10-18 16:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference Room: Nebraska
Summary
The South Asia Book Award (SABA) celebrates outstanding literature that authentically portrays the cultures, histories, and lived experiences of South Asians, both in South Asia and across the globe. This session introduces geography educators to the wealth of award-winning books that can enhance students’ understanding of the diverse countries and cultures that make up the South Asian region. Through a curated selection of books, from picture book to young adult novels, participants will discover how to integrate compelling literature into geography curricula to bring South Asia to life in the classroom. Whether you’re teaching about historical events, contemporary cultural issues, or geographical landscapes, these books offer valuable perspectives that will engage students and deepen their global awareness.
Session Focus
Early Childhood/Elementary | Literacy
Conference Room
Nebraska
Meet the Presenters
Julie Wakefield is a retired high school teacher now teaching in the higher education system. She volunteers with the South Asia Book Award Committee to choose books annually that are worthy of recognition. She regularly integrates cultural stories, poetry, literature and other print options into her teaching.

GeoCircle: Teaching Culture and Cultural Landscape
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Teaching culture and cultural landscape is a favorite for many teachers. Learning about culture is a favorite for students. What is your favorite aspect of teaching culture? What do the students struggle with? Join us for a conversation about resources, strategies and challenges the students face.
The Facilitator
Carter Waterkyn
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Religion & Government in the Middle East: Election season
2025-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
This session offers teachers resources to explore the role of religion in the governments of Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and Iran. By comparing these countries to the United States, participants will gain insights into global religious and political diversity. By examining primary source foundational documents from each country, teachers can then support student inquiry in understanding these complex landscapes.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Erika Lawrey is a veteran educator with 29 years of experience, Erika Lowery is 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.
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Teaching Students How to be Successful on FRQs
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join us as we discuss the methods and strategies for introducing and teaching students how to be successful on FRQ for the APHG exam.
Audience Focus
APHG, High School, Middle School
Meet the Presenters
Kenneth H Keller is a retired AP Human Geography teacher at George Walton Comprehensive High School in Marietta, GA., and taught AP Human Geography from its inception in 2000. Ken has attended every AP Human Geography Reading since 2002, where he has worked in multiple capacities from reader to Question leader. He has been teaching AP Human Geography weeklong summer institutes and one-day workshops for teachers since 2004 and was the 2004 recipient of a National Council for Geographic Education Distinguished Teaching award. Ken also taught as an adjunct professor of Geography for five years at Western Connecticut State University, Ken is a past member of the AP Human Geography Test Development Committee (2006-2010) and served as President of the National Council for Geographic Education during the year 2019-2020. He is also Past-President of the Connecticut Council of Social Studies. where he worked to promote social studies education at the state level.
Ken is also the co-author of BFW’s Human Geography for the AP Course which is now in its second edition along with its teacher’s edition. Ken is also one of three co-founders of iScore5 LLC, an AP test prep app for smart devices. Ken and his wife, Lisa, moved from Danbury, CT. to Georgia in 2013, and though they prefer the beautiful Georgia weather, they brought their New Yorker roots (and Mets caps) with them.
Tracie Truax began her teaching career in the Chicago suburb of St. Charles 19 years ago. As a National Board Certified teacher, she currently teaches one section of AP Human Geography while serving as an instructional support coach. In her coaching role, Tracie supports educators in implementing effective instructional strategies and fostering student success. Additionally, as a member of the district’s Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Team for social studies, Tracie collaborated with colleagues to design the Geographic Foundations course, ensuring that all freshmen build essential geographic thinking skills from the start of their high school journey. Tracie has also been an AP Human Geography reader since 2017. As a reader, she learned invaluable skills for teaching and preparing her students to be successful FRQ writers. Finally, Tracie is an avid traveler. She believes that geography should happen inside and outside the classroom. In the summer of 2024, she led a student trip to Costa Rica designed to bring human geography concepts to life. Tracie loves sharing both her passion and enthusiasm for geography with others!
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Our World In Data
2025-11-12 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Poverty, disease, hunger, climate change, war, existential risks, and inequality: the world faces many great and terrifying problems. It is these large problems that our work at Our World in Data focuses on. The goal of our work is to make this knowledge accessible and understandable to empower those working to build a better world. Join us for a webinar that will show how this free resource can be used by educators to gather current data and reports on many topics globally. While not a source for lesson plans, it is a source to create lessons and activities in which the students can interact with the data themselves. **If you have questions that you would like to ask the presenter, please email them to Julie julie@ncge.org **There will be time for Q & A during the webinar.
Audience Focus
All Grade Levels
Meet the Presenters
Dr. Charlie Giattino is the Communications & Outreach Manager at Our World in Data. He joined OWID in 2020 and has worked across the team: initially joining as a researcher, later moving to the operations team, and now leading communications. He completed his Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience at Duke University. Charlie is originally from Texas and now based in London.

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GeoCircle: Supporting PreService Teachers in teaching Geography
2025-11-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join NCGE for an engaging GeoCircle designed to bridge the gap between future educators and the experienced instructors who guide them. This open conversation brings together PreService teachers and the Methods instructors and supervisors who prepare them for success in the geography classroom.
PreService teachers are encouraged to bring questions about best practices, classroom strategies, and what to expect as they enter the profession. Methods instructors and supervisors are invited to share their best advice, mentorship insights, and proven approaches for preparing strong, confident geography educators.
Whether you’re just beginning your teaching journey or working to support the next generation, this collaborative discussion welcomes educators at all levels. Come connect, learn, and build a stronger community of geography teaching and learning.
About the Facilitators
Kelly Leon, Ashley Penir
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Encountering Colonial Legacies & Spaces of Possibility along the Anza National Historic Trail
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
As thousands of geographers are preparing to gather in San Francisco in a few months, this is an opportunity to explore and understand how this city came into existence and how historic places can serve as sites of engagement and even reconciliation. The 250th anniversary of the Anza Colonizing Expedition of 1775-76 provides a point in time for reflection and re-examination of the historical geography of the Americas. The expedition followed a 1,900-mile route north and west from present day Sonora that took settlers to the frontier of the Spanish Empire and traversed the homelands of numerous indigenous peoples. Learn more about the expedition and how the route is remembered and commemorated by the U.S. National Park Service and the indigenous nations that withstood profound impacts of invasion, settlement, and environmental change and continue to shape the future of the lands along the trail.
Audience Focus
Speakers will share free information and resources appropriate for the education of diverse audiences. Recommended for geographers, educators, and anyone interested in taking a journey into the historical geography of the Americas.
Meet the Presenters
Thomas Herman
Research Fellow, San Diego State Univ. Geography Dept.
California Geographic Alliance
National Council for Geographic Education

Gail E. Chehak
Community & Partner Relations Director
American Indigenous Tourism Association, Inc.

Christopher Bentley
Interpretation, Education, and Volunteer Program Manager
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
National Park Service

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Commemorating and Learning from the 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition of 1775-76 Webinar Series
2026-01-07 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join the California Geographic Alliance and the National Park Services as they commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition of 1775-76 with this professional learning series featuring geographic and global perspectives on history.
SESSION 2 (ON THE JOURNEY): JANUARY 7, 2026, 4-5:30 pm Centering Difference in the Anza Expedition and Early California Few citizens of New Spain were eager to join an expedition to settle an unknown and potentially hazardous land, but some saw an opportunity on the frontier. Learn how Afro-Latinos and independent women were a major part of the Anza Expedition and the early development of California.
SESSION 3 (ARRIVING): MARCH 25, 2026, 4-5:30 pm
Legacies of the Expedition and the Making of Place in California, 1776 to 2026 What are the outcomes of the Anza Expedition? A settlement called Yerba Buena, a settler population that develops its own cultural and political identities, a sequence of transitions in control of the territory resulting in California’s incorporation into the United States. The people and the trail they followed continue to be relevant in many ways.
Audience Focus
For educators and students in Grades 4 and higher. Special relevance to 5th, 8th, and Ethnic Studies, but all are welcome to join.
How to Join
Pre-registration is required. Find out more and register here

GeoCivics - The American Electoral System
2026-01-14 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Learning about elections and representation by reading court cases and discussing state statutes is an excellent foundation for understanding how the American electoral system functions. But what will capture students’ attention so that they are prepared to participate in civic life no matter where they are living?
This webinar will explore how students in a high school civics class incorporated historic information about population change, prioritizing electoral district criteria, descriptions of their own communities, and geospatial technology tools for constructing state congressional districts to gain additional insight into how electoral districting works. They have a better sense of the differences between redistricting and gerrymandering, why it is important to have transparency in the redistricting process, and how they can contribute by advocating for their community’s needs. Theobald at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs will share GeoCivics resources and provide background on the teachers’ perspective as they guided students through hands-on and online activities as part of students’ study of civics.
Audience Focus
High School
Meet the Presenter
Rebecca Theobald is an Associate Research Professor in the Geography and Environmental Studies Department at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She directs GeoCivics, asking geographic questions to address electoral redistricting and emphasizing the role geospatial technology plays in drawing districts. From 2008 through 2018, she served as coordinator of the Colorado Geographic Alliance, part of National Geographic Network of Alliances for Geographic Education, providing professional development for teachers across Colorado. She edited National Council for Geographic Education’s journal, “The Geography Teacher”, from 2016 to 2024.
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GeoCircle: Teaching Political Geography and Strategies for 9th graders
2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join us for an engaging conversation about Teaching Political Geography. This can be a challenge for students. Bring your questions, ideas and strategies for helping students be successful.
About the Facilitators
Maria Zuniga, and Jamie Tadryznski are teachers at Canyon Springs High School in Las Vegas. They teach 9th graders and both have a passion for teaching Political Geography.
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Revolutionary Crossroads Field Experience
2026-01-21 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Travel to the Capital Region of New York June 21 – 28, 2026 to experience, reflect, and commemorate 250 years of US independence in one of the most dynamic and critical geographic areas in American and world history. Fort Ticonderoga, Lake George, Fort William Henry, Lake Champlain, Saratoga, Fort Orange (Albany), and the Mohawk Valley contain some of the most significant sites and situations that shaped the U.S. This 7-day experience will provide participants with the opportunity to visit historic sites and museums while working with scholars and archivists to consider and reflect on the significance of our country’s semiquincentennial through a geographic and multi-perspective lens.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Chris Bunin teaches social studies and Geospatial Technologies at Albemarle High School, and am an adjunct geography professor for the Virginia Community College System and the University of Virginia . From 2006 – 2012 he directed the Teacher Scholars Program for the Virginia Experiment and America on the World Stage Teaching American History Projects. In this role he coordinated and implemented inquiry-based experiential professional development opportunities for local classroom teachers.

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2892 Miles To Go
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
There are 2892 miles across the contiguous United States. Each of these miles symbolizes stories of resilience and innovation. Through mapped routes, StoryMapping, and place-based inquiry, 2892 helps learners reexamine local histories, amplify unheard voices, and create powerful digital stories that deepen our a collective understanding of the past and present.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Anita Palmer is a past middle and high school technology and social studies teacher who is the CEO of the “woman-owned business” GISetc started in 1999 to provide geospatial PD, curriculum, and support for educators and students. Author, Esri partner/educator, NatGeo Explorer, and lover of 2892 Miles to Go!

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Beyond the Hype: Critical AI Literacy for Geography & Social Studies Educators
2026-02-04 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has sparked both optimism and unease within education. For geography and the broader social sciences, GenAI tools such as ChatGPT promise efficiencies in curriculum design, data analysis, and feedback, yet they also produce errors, false citations, and cultural oversimplifications. The use of large language models poses ethical dilemmas that risk undermining core disciplinary practices in the social sciences. This session situates geography educators within this tension, emphasizing the need for AI and data literacy that is critical rather than uncritical. Drawing on recent research in geography and social studies education, I propose a framework of “error typologies” that reveal how GenAI can reshape knowledge production and interpretation of curricular content. The session will engage participants in considering ways to integrate AI that fosters critical inquiry and civic literacy, without outsourcing essential human judgment to machines. Rather than treating GenAI as a shortcut for assessment or content delivery, educators are invited to explore how it can serve as a tool for critique, revealing questions of bias, representation, and the implications for its use in the social studies classroom. Attendees will leave with some practical strategies for guiding classrooms to critically evaluate GenAI outputs and apply disciplinary thinking to AI-generated claims. Bring your questions and comments!
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Samantha Serrano is a 21-year veteran high school social studies teacher with primary responsibilities in geography and civics. A self-proclaimed technosketic, she encourages pause before abrupt implementation regarding educational technology. As a teacher, she loves making new lessons for her students, as a researcher, her interests include geography education, equity and access, critical theory, and educational technology, and as a mom, she has newfound interests in waterparks, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and jumpzones.
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GeoCircle: A conversation for social studies methods instructors
2026-02-17 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Pre-service learning experiences and preparation are key to the way geography is taught now and in the future. We want to hear more about what is happening in the field and identify ways that NCGE can better support geography education in partnership with methods instructors.
The goal of the conversation is to share best practices and accessible resources and to identify trends, opportunities, and needs. What texts, resources, and learning experiences have methods instructors found to be most useful? What prior knowledge, questions, and interests do pre-service teachers have that creates opportunities or challenges in preparing them to teach geography? What kinds of resources would be helpful to have available in a methods course? How does geography fit into your overall approach to preparing teachers to teach all of the social studies disciplines?
The Facilitator
Samantha Serrano
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GIS for Good - Using GIS for Community Impact
2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
GIS For Good Initiative is a national initiative that empowers youth and communities through geospatial technology, storytelling, and leadership development. In alignment with our RomoGIS motto of “it always starts with the people,” this program uses GIS and drone education to turn data into action. Through hands-on learning, community mapping, and personal storytelling, GIS for Good develops the next generation of leaders who use technology to create local change. Students earn certifications, gain workforce experience, and build solutions for real-world issues by combining technical skills with their community expertise to drive social impact. Our GIS For Good program has supported community-led efforts from disaster response in St. Louis to student-led innovation in Detroit, Nashville, and The Bronx.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Frank Romo is a geospatial leader, educator, and community advocate dedicated to using GIS technology to drive meaningful change. As CEO of RomoGIS, he has pioneered the use of mapping and data visualization to tackle critical social challenges, from food insecurity to disaster recovery and public safety. With a background in community organizing, urban planning, and emergency response, Frank has spent his career equipping individuals, organizations, and local governments with the tools needed to make data driven decisions that foster stronger, more resilient communities.
Beyond his technical expertise, Frank is a passionate educator who empowers the next generation of change-makers through hands-on community mapping workshops and STEM education programs across the country. His GIS For Good work spans a wide range of impact-driven projects that foster community and workforce development opportunities by ensuring that technology skills and resources are accessible and actionable for all. Through his leadership at RomoGIS, Frank continues to push the boundaries of how geospatial technologies can be leveraged to enhance workforce development efforts, drive economic opportunity, and community change.
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MapMaker - A Two-Part Series
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join us for this two-part webinar (March 11 & April 1) that will highlight the steps needed to get started using MapMaker in your classroom and for your students. You will be able to follow along with the webinars to create an activity you can use in your classroom. Both parts of the webinar will be recorded for you to review. You do not need a log in to use MapMaker. The pace will allow you to ask questions along the way as you create along with us.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Tom 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.

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Redlining: Omaha and Chicago
2026-03-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Redlining has economic, social and political consequences. This webinar will offer views from two US cities on how they have changed their spaces and look to the future.
Audience Focus
Middle School, High School, APHG
Meet the Presenter
Jeanne Shin-Cooper has been a public high school educator for twenty years. Over the course of her career, she has taught multiple disciplines in the social sciences in addition to work within the field of EL. She is currently a consultant and exam reader for AP Human Geography and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She received her Masters in Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University and her Masters in Geography through the EDGE Program at University of Oregon. Currently, she serves on the Educator Advisory Committee for Harvard’s Religion and Public Life in conjunction with teaching College World Religions Dual Credit. Most recently, she was invited as a keynote speaker for Harvard University’s Global Studies Outreach Workshop.

Matthew Pierson is the Associate Director of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education. He is a 13-year veteran of the classroom, spending that time teaching social studies and economics at Omaha Bryan High School. He holds Master’s degrees in both History Education and Economic Education. He was a co-author of NAEE Silver

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Commemorating and Learning from the 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition of 1775-76 Webinar Series
2026-03-25 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join the California Geographic Alliance and the National Park Services as they commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition of 1775-76 with this professional learning series featuring geographic and global perspectives on history.
SESSION 3 (ARRIVING): MARCH 25, 2026, 4:00-5:30 pm (PT)/7:00 – 8:30 pm (ET)
Legacies of the Expedition and the Making of Place in California, 1776 to 2026. What are the outcomes of the Anza Expedition? A settlement called Yerba Buena, a settler population that develops its own cultural and political identities, a sequence of transitions in control of the territory resulting in California’s incorporation into the United States. The people and the trail they followed continue to be relevant in many ways.
Audience Focus
For educators and students in Grades 4 and higher. Special relevance to 5th, 8th, and Ethnic Studies, but all are welcome to join.
How to Join
Pre-registration is required. Find out more and register here

MapMaker - A Two-Part Series
2026-04-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join us for Part II of this two-part webinar series that will highlight the steps needed to get started using MapMaker in your classroom and for your students. You will be able to follow along with the webinars to create an activity you can use in your classroom. Both parts of the webinar will be recorded for you to review. You do not need a log in to use MapMaker. The pace will allow you to ask questions along the way as you create along with us.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Tom 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.

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The AP Exam - Tips and Tricks to Prepare Students
2026-04-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
In partnership with College Board, this webinar will provide strategies and ideas to help prepare your students for the AP exam. There will be McQ strategies, review of the FRQ task verbs and an overview of the exam itself.
Audience Focus
APHG
Meet the Presenter
Debra Coram Troxell is a National Board Certified Teacher from Winston-Salem, NC. She teaches AP Human Geography and International Relations at West Forsyth High School. Debra is an AP Human Geography exam reader, an AP PBL Consultant, and serves on the editorial board of The Geography Teacher journal. Jeanne

Jeanne Shin-Cooper has been a public high school educator for twenty years. Over the course of her career, she has taught multiple disciplines in the social sciences in addition to work within the field of EL. She is currently a consultant and exam reader for AP Human Geography and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She received her Masters in Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University and her Masters in Geography through the EDGE Program at University of Oregon. Currently, she serves on the Educator Advisory Committee for Harvard’s Religion and Public Life in conjunction with teaching College World Religions Dual Credit. Most recently, she was invited as a keynote speaker for Harvard University’s Global Studies Outreach Workshop.
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GeoCircle: Ripped from the Headlines - Bringing Current Events into the Geography Classroom
2026-04-21 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join 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!
The Facilitator
Jane 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.
Kyle Tredinnick is a classroom Geography teacher and Adjunct Professor in Omaha Nebraska. He is an NCGE Board Member and a CFR Teacher Ambassador.

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Esri StoryMaps - Part I
2026-04-22 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
ArcGIS 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.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Tom 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.

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Esri StoryMaps - Part II
2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
ArcGIS 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.
Part-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.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Tom 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.

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A Taste of JAHM: The Jewish American Experience
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM)!
That’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.
Audience Focus
All Grade Levels
Meet the Presenter
Erika 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.
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GeoCircle: Spatial Thinking IRL - Taking Your Geography Students Outside
2026-05-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
As 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.
The Facilitator
Joseph 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.
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Publishing with NCGE
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Have 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.
Audience Focus
All grade levels
Meet the Presenter
Kyle Tredinnick
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APHG Happy Hour - Thinking Geographically
2026-08-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for an informal, organic discussion facilitated by APHG educators for APHG educators. Each session will focus on a participant-driven conversation about each unit where you can share your insights, seek advice, and discuss the latest trends that support the implementation of the AP Human Geography curriculum without the constraints of a formal presentation.
This session will focus on unit 1 of the APHG course. Participants will discuss the content of unit 1, teaching strategies, and how unit 1 establishes knowledge and skills used throughout the course.

Meet the Facilitators
Michael Mewborne is the director of the South Carolina Geographic Alliance. A former high school teacher, he is now a research associate at the University of South Carolina studying geography education. He has over a decade of experience teaching high school and undergraduates, serves as a reader for the APHG exam, and is the Secretary for NCGE.
Jessica Chapman is the Education Programs Manager for the South Carolina Geographic Alliance. She uses her experience as a former high school teacher to help plan and facilitate professional development workshops. Jessica is a doctoral student in geography at the University of South Carolina and a member of the Board of Directors for NCGE.
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GeoCircle: The Slow Advantage - What Interactive Notebooks Can Do that Digital Can't
2026-08-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Overview
Before there were chatbots to do the thinking, there were notebooks, and they’re still one of the best tools for making thinking visible. As students turn more and more to AI to generate answers, the interactive notebook asks them to slow down and make their own. This GeoCircle session explores how notebook-building keeps geographic thinking visible, personal, and screen-free when you need. Come ready to share or hear some ready-to-use ideas for your own classroom.
About the Facilitators
Courtney Phillips has taught for 14 years, most of her time spent at Freedom High School in Oakley, CA. She teaches AP Human Geography and AP World History. She loves traveling and all things Disney.
Jessica Forestiere is a high school social studies educator in Virginia with 20 years of teaching experience. She currently teaches AP Human Geography, Pre-AP World History, and Economics and Personal Finance and holds an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Old Dominion University, and a B.S. in History and Social Science from Radford University. Jessica is an AP Human Geography Reader and is passionate about geographic education, curriculum development, and creating engaging learning experiences that help students connect course content to the world around them.
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NCGE Bell Ringers: A Piece of the Instructional Puzzle
2026-08-20 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Summary
Whether you are new or experienced to teaching APHG, attend this webinar to hear more about how the NCGE Bell Ringers can help engage your students in content and make your teaching life a little easier.
About the Presenters
Laura Kmetz has taught AP Human Geography for 12 years. She is the author of the NCGE Bell Ringers, a professional learning consultant for College Board, and a leader at the AP Reading. Laura loves engaging students in exploring our complex world and helping them discover how they can help make it a better place.

Sarah Bitel teaches AP Human Geography and English Language Arts in Harford County, Maryland. She is a National Board Certified teacher, and is going into her 17th year as an educator (with a short side quest as an instructional coach and new teacher mentor). Bitel is relatively new to AP Human Geo, however, and the NCGE materials have been great resources for her. She is a mom to a very happy and active toddler, and her family loves to camp, hike, and take little adventures together.
Diana Zapien is a high school educator in San Antonio, TX with 13 years classroom experience. Subjects taught have been AP Human Geography, World Geography, and Mexican-American Studies. Topics of interest outside of the classroom include gardening, sustainability, and traveling.
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