Lee University’s Director of First Year Programs Dr. Eric Moyen collaborated with graduate student and social studies teacher Ashley Shankles, to present a paper at the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Annual Meeting in Seattle, Wash. 

The theme of the NCSS conference was "Opening Windows to the World," an opportunity for educators to share experiences, and strategies employed in their classrooms. Approximately six Lee graduate students and grant participants were invited to present at the conference.

“I am very proud of the work that these grant participants are doing,” said Dr. Moyen. “I am pleased that they were selected to present at such an important conference.”

Dr. Moyen and Ms. Shankles presented, "Using Digital Windows to Open the World of Geography," the goal of which was to aid teachers in thinking critically about utilizing technology to teach geography, and guide their students into various cultures.

“I am excited about sharing the work that we have integrated because it provides an example of how theory and practice work together,” continued Dr. Moyen. “Ashley is sharing about the many sources available to aid in the teaching of geography, and I am sharing ways to promote critical thinking while using these resources.”

Ms. Shankles is a seventh grade World Geography teacher at Jasper Middle School, and a graduate recipient of the Teach American History Grant.

Teach American History grants, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, enable Lee to create a graduate program aimed at enhancing the content knowledge and pedagogy of social studies and history teachers in Southeast Tennessee. 

Dr. Moyen added, “Lee has been working with the grant participants for more than three years. I am thankful for Janis Kyser, grant director, for helping Lee collaborate with so many social studies teachers in the region. The grants have worked so well because Lee has a genuine interest in partnering with teachers and dedicated professionals who are taking advantage of an opportunity to make themselves more effective educators.”

Founded in 1921, NCSS has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies. With members in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries, NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, civics, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. 

For more information about NCSS visit http://www.socialstudies.org