edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinarsBuilding Capacity in Social Studies Classrooms: Strategies for Strengthening Instruction, Collaboration, and Engagement
Thursday, May 1, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT
Presented by Marie Rodgers, Supervisor, K-5, Hillsborough County Public Schools (FL); Saeed Ghafoor, Coordinator of Elementary Curriculum, Valley View School District 365U (IL); and Deanna Morrow, Former Teacher, Current Senior Account Manager, TCI
Sponsored by Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (TCI)
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
How can districts create a strong foundation for social studies instruction while ensuring meaningful student engagement? In this edLeader Panel, district leaders from Florida and Illinois will share their strategies for strengthening instruction, fostering collaboration, and increasing student engagement in social studies classrooms.
Attendees will gain insights into:
- Effective professional development approaches to support teachers
- Strategies for integrating inquiry-based learning and active student participation
- Best practices for collaboration across schools to ensure consistency and impact
Join us for this engaging conversation to hear real-world experiences, challenges, and solutions from district leaders who are shaping the future of social studies education. A live Q&A will provide the opportunity to ask questions and connect with fellow administrators. This edLeader Panel will be of interest to K-12 teachers, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.
About the Presenters
Marie Rodgers serves as the K-5 Social Studies Supervisor for Hillsborough County Public Schools. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. With 25 years of experience in education, Marie has worked as a classroom teacher, district mentor, and district resource teacher for both K-5 social studies and 6-12 content literacy. Marie is dedicated to collaborating with educators and administrators to provide high-quality resources and support, ensuring that teachers can deliver engaging instruction that fosters curiosity and helps students become knowledgeable, productive, and kind citizens.
Saeed Ghafoor is the Coordinator of Elementary Curriculum for Valley View School District 365U in Illinois, where he supports educators in delivering high-impact instruction aligned to state standards and designed to engage young learners. With extensive experience in curriculum planning and professional development, Saeed is committed to ensuring teachers have the tools and resources they need to create meaningful classroom experiences. He is especially passionate about integrating inquiry-based learning into elementary social studies and science. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, playing golf, and riding motorcycles.
Deanna Morrow is an experienced TCI Senior National Account Manager, recognized for her passion for education. With 18 years at TCI, she excels at drawing on her in-depth knowledge of the company’s products and philosophies. She spent 15 years as a classroom teacher and earned multiple professional awards. While in the classroom, Deanna was a TCI National Trainer and played a vital role in the creation of Geography Alive, revolutionizing geography education nationwide. Beyond work, Deanna embraces travel, literature, pickleball, and gardening. Her unwavering dedication to education embodies TCI’s mission of transforming social studies instruction and empowering educators and students.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Join the K-12 Social Studies and Civics: Educating Tomorrow’s Citizens community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
TCI is a K-12 education company founded by teachers, for teachers. We are committed to creating engaging and effective social studies and science programs that bring learning to life. With a focus on active learning and differentiated instruction, we empower educators with the tools and support they need to inspire students and drive meaningful learning experiences.
