7th Annual Metroplex Social Studies Conference The American Mixtape: 250 Years. 25 Tracks. One Nation. (History's Greatest Hits and the Stories Behind Them) 2026

Join us for an innovative one-day professional development experience that explores America's semiquincentennial through the lens of pivotal historical moments that shaped our nation and the world. This conference empowers K-12 social studies educators to strengthen civic understanding by examining the interconnections between Texas, U.S., and world history while developing students' global competence and cross-cultural perspectives. Through engaging sessions focused on disciplinary literacy and primary source analysis, participants will gain practical strategies to help students think critically about historical narratives and their relevance to contemporary issues. Walk away with fresh approaches to make history's "greatest hits" resonate with today's learners while building the critical thinking skills essential for informed citizenship. This will be a one day teachers conference for K-12 Social Studies teachers that will include a keynote speaker (TBD) and breakout sessions for teachers focused on best practices for teaching social studies as well as connections to America's history and civic understanding. The conference will feature speakers that spotlight civic learning, disciplinary thinking, and the power of storytelling in social studies; breakout sessions on civics education, pedagogy, disciplinary literacy, civil discourse, assessment, instructional strategies, and strong content foundations; TEA Updates; a Vendor Expo; food; and networking opportunities.