edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinarsThoughtful Discourse in Social Studies: Think Critically, Discuss Civilly
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST
Presented by Kelsey Moore, Former Teacher, Current Senior Account and Community Manager, TCI; and Becki Smith, Former Teacher, Current Customer Consultant, 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.
Developing the skills to think critically and discuss civilly is essential to meaningful social studies learning. But navigating challenging topics can sometimes require extra support.
Join us for this edWebinar where you’ll learn how the Response Group strategy can transform classroom conversation. This powerful teaching strategy helps students grapple with complex historical events, consider multiple perspectives, and thoughtfully debate the consequences of public policies.
We’ll showcase routines you can implement right away to support civil discourse and encourage students to wrestle with tough questions. Through real classroom examples, you’ll see how small-group discussions build classroom community and help students recognize the intricacies of history and society. Learning objectives include:
- Teaching students civil discourse
- Supporting constructive engagement with dissenting opinions
- Creating routines for confident inquiry and discussion
- Strengthening civic engagement in the classroom
This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.
About the Presenters
Kelsey Moore is a former high school social studies teacher with eight years of experience engaging students in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. Since joining TCI in 2018, she has served as a Senior Account and Community Manager, supporting educators with innovative tools and resources. Kelsey’s deep understanding of classroom challenges and her passion for education make her a valuable resource for teachers. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and three children.
Becki Smith is passionate about active learning and helping students become critical thinkers. A former public school teacher and professional learning lead, she now serves as a Customer Consultant with TCI, where she partners with educators to create engaging, student-centered classrooms. Coming from a family of educators dating back to the late 1800s, Becki believes that the true measure of success in education extends beyond test scores—it’s found in the growth, character, and lifelong impact of learners. She’s dedicated to supporting teachers and students in continuously improving and thriving together.
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 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.
