Social Studies School Service

03/23/2026

Missed our March webinar? You can still view it!

Watch the recording of “The Art of Quiet Influence: Timeless Wisdom for Leading without Authority” on our website: https://www.socialstudies.com/webinars/

Explore how quiet influence can drive meaningful change through building trust, inspiring collaboration, and leading with purpose from ANY role.

03/18/2026

What does it take to build independent thinkers?

Earlier this week in Waxahachie ISD, we had the opportunity to work with both middle and high school educators during our session, “Let Them Own It: Shifts That Put Students in the Driver’s Seat.”

Together, teachers explored practical strategies to help students visualize their thinking, engage in academic discourse, and take ownership of their learning.
We loved the engagement across both sessions and are excited to see these student-centered shifts come to life in classrooms!

03/13/2026

You’ve analyzed the data… now what?

The PIT Crew ended the week in Missouri working with an engaged group of educators from Springfield Public Schools during the session, “From Evidence to Impact 2.0: Designing Instruction That Responds in Real Time.”

Together, participants built on their previous learning by designing “planned catches” to proactively address misconceptions and plan intentional small-group instruction that responds to student needs in the moment.

Nothing better than a room full of educators ready to turn evidence into impact!

03/12/2026

The 88th Annual New York State Council for the Social Studies brought together incredible educators dedicated to strengthening history instruction!

PIT Crew members Dr. Montra Rogers and Jamie Fillipow led the session “Lost in Translation: Helping Students Unlock the Past Through Primary Sources,” where participants explored practical strategies to help students approach complex historical documents and visuals with confidence and curiosity and ultimately think like historians.

Thank you to NYSCSS and the educators who joined us we loved the thoughtful conversations and engagement!

03/09/2026

PIT Crew member Chardra McBride partnered with Corpus Christi ISD to lead the session “It All Starts with Geography,” exploring how geographic literacy strengthens social studies learning.

Together, educators examined how to use maps, globes, and data to build academic discourse, help students make meaningful connections, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Participants left with practical strategies including ways to use a Geographic Literacy Framework and Navigate Atlas Assistant to bring these skills into their classrooms. The energy and engagement from Corpus Christi teachers made the learning even more powerful!

03/09/2026

Register today!

Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nedf66PJToun0PUi5TBhgg

Discover how quiet influence can drive powerful change. In this book study, educators and leaders will explore mindful, research-based strategies to inspire collaboration, build trust, and lead from any role. Learn to invite participation, share power, and spark progress, no title required, just purpose and presence.

No need to read the book in advance to participate, all are welcome!

Join us on March 12, 2026 at 3 PM PST.

03/05/2026

Last week at the Texas Social Studies Leaders Association Spring 2026 Conference, we had the privilege of presenting “Be a Leader of Leaders: How to Inform, Influence, and Impact Social Studies in Your Organization.”

In our session, we explored how social studies leaders can INFORM, INFLUENCE, and create real IMPACT within their organizations, because strong leadership builds strong programs. We’re grateful for the chance to support leaders who are driving meaningful change in social studies across Texas.
Montra Rogers

02/27/2026

“Keep these trainings coming! This was really great!” – Klein ISD

February was filled with powerful learning moments. The PIT Crew had the opportunity to train 200+ teachers on Decision Making Skills, Active Classroom, Navigate Texas, STAAR preparation, Student Ownership, Fostering Curiosity, and more. The feedback says it all, “This was the best session I’ve been to in years.” – Goose Creek

We’re grateful to partner with districts committed to supporting teachers and strengthening student success. Let’s keep it going.


Montra Rogers

02/23/2026

Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nedf66PJToun0PUi5TBhgg

Discover how quiet influence can drive powerful change. In this book study, educators and leaders will explore mindful, research-based strategies to inspire collaboration, build trust, and lead from any role. Learn to invite participation, share power, and spark progress, no title required, just purpose and presence.

No need to read the book in advance to participate, all are welcome!

Join us on March 12, 2026 at 3 PM PST.

02/10/2026

Big thanks to the amazing San Antonio ISD teachers for two dynamic Active Classroom training sessions!

From building student decision-making skills through hands-on activities to digging deeper into TEKS-aligned resources, advanced search tools, and new AI-powered features, your engagement made each session impactful.

02/10/2026

Whether virtual or face to face, impactful partnership is always the goal, and our recent session with Klein ISD was a perfect example.

We were thrilled to collaborate with Klein ISD in a virtual session with 116 secondary social studies teachers for When Curiosity Kicks In. Grounded in research showing that curiosity drives deeper learning, educators explored why wonder matters in secondary classrooms and how to intentionally design instruction that keeps it alive.

Teachers engaged in practical, classroom-ready strategies to spark student questioning, promote deeper thinking, and left with clear, step-by-step guidance for implementation.

Thank you to the Klein ISD educators for your engagement, reflection, and commitment to keeping curiosity at the center of learning!

01/12/2026

2026 is just getting started, and The Pit Crew has already trained nearly 200 teachers and leaders! From Differentiation for All and Lesson Internalization to Adding Teacher Moves and Navigate Texas, districts are showing a real commitment to supporting teachers because when educators are supported, student success is inevitable. We’re loving the momentum - 2026 let’s go!
Classroom