By Christian Downes
 

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. on Nov.
16-18.

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 Moyen. “I am pleased that they were selected to
present at such an important conference.”

Moyen and 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 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.”

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.

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