Reading the Ocean: Mapping, Memory and Power in Samoa
2026-10-17 17:00 - 17:40 (America/New_York) | Conference Room: Lacy
Summary
Often relegated to the last few days of the school year, Oceania and the Pacific Islands rarely get much time or focus in geography classrooms. This presentation will focus on how educators can infuse their lessons on mapping, spatial thinking, and geospatial technology with indigenous mapping practices to highlight differing approaches to representing geographic features and developing mental maps of the world – whether that world is land or sea. Teachers will receive lessons and materials for use in AP Human Geography, as well as PreAP and on-level geography courses.
Session Focus
Secondary/High School | Human and Cultural Geography | Spatial thinking and Geospatial Technology
Conference Room
Lacy
Meet the Presenter
Dr. Michelle Crane has recently completed her PhD in Geography Education through Texas State University. She teaches Geography, PreAP Geography and History, and Sociology at Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas. She also teaches Geography 1303 World Regional Geography at Texas A&M Texarkana. She is an avid traveler and frequently uses her travel experiences to enliven her classes and help engage her students in learning about the world.

Publishing in NCGE Journals
2026-10-17 17:00 - 17:40 | Conference Room: Cullen
Summary
The 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.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | Publishing
Conference Room
Cullen
Meet the Presenter
Dr. Injeong Jo is a Professor and Coordinator of the Online MAGeo in Geographic Education Program at Texas State University’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. Her research focuses on spatial thinking education, the use of geospatial technologies for teaching and learning, and teacher education. She currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Geography.

Dr. Gregory Chu, is widely recognized for his contributions to geography, with expertise in geographic information science, cartographic design, and educational strategies. He served as Department Chair and Professor at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and as a Program Director for Geography and Regional Science at the National Science Foundation. In addition to numerous scholarly publications, he is the author of two middle school geography textbooks, MyWorldInteractive and Contemporary World Cultures. As the editor of The Geography Teacher, Dr. Chu brings extensive experience and visionary leadership to advance the journal’s role as a vital resource for educators and scholars.
Dr. 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

Jody Smothers-Marcello has a long record of endeavors in geography education including serving as president of NCGE in 2002, editing The Geography Teacher for two terms, co-chairing the AP Human Geography Development Committee, and serving on the social studies-history standards committee for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). While teaching in the Sitka School District in Alaska, she was recognized with multiple state and national awards for her innovative teaching. She has also written a wide array of curricula and presented at numerous national professional development venues. Jody currently serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Geography.

APHG Happy Hour
2026-11-12 19:00 - 20:00
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.
Full details of Unit 4 discussion coming soon!

Learn more about APHG Happy Hour and Join the Discussion!

APHG Happy Hour
2027-01-14 19:00 - 20:00
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.
Full details of Unit 5 discussion coming soon!

Learn more about APHG Happy Hour and Join the Discussion!

APHG Happy Hour
2027-02-11 19:00 - 20:00
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.
Full details of Unit 6 discussion coming soon!

Learn more about APHG Happy Hour and Join the Discussion!

APHG Happy Hour
2027-03-11 19:00 - 20:00
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.
Full details of Unit 7 discussion coming soon!

Learn more about APHG Happy Hour and Join the Discussion!

APHG Happy Hour
2027-04-08 19:00 - 20:00
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.
Full details of “Preparing for the Exam” discussion coming soon!

Learn more about APHG Happy Hour and Join the Discussion!

APHG Happy Hour
2027-05-13 19:00 - 20:00
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.
Full details of “Wrapping up the Year” discussion coming soon!

Learn more about APHG Happy Hour and Join the Discussion!
