Strengthening Preservice Social Studies Instruction Through Primary Sources
Discover how Library of Congress treasures—and our proven "Micro-Inquiry" framework—can super-charge your very first year of student-teaching.
Program at a Glance
- Who: 20 preservice social studies majors; 5 cooperating teachers; 5 methods professors
- Where: Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware OH + one day at the Ohio History Center
- When: October 2025 – May 2026 • Hybrid (3 in-person weekend days + short Zoom check-ins)
- Stipend: $250 for preservice teachers; $200 for cooperating teachers
- Deadline: September 15, 2025 – applications reviewed until seats filled
Why Join?
You've practiced lesson planning, but translating big ideas into action can be daunting. We're here to help you take the theory and put it into practice with a simple to follow inquiry-outline. From Campus to Classroom gives you a friendly runway:
- Hands-on workshops that walk you step-by-step through our bite-sized "Micro-Inquiry" model.
- Curated Library of Congress sources—no endless scrolling, just classroom-ready gems.
- Personal coaching from veteran teachers and curriculum designers who have your back.
- A supportive cross-campus cohort so you're never brainstorming alone.
Leave with a polished inquiry lesson, fresh confidence, a professional network, and money in your pocket.
Who We're Looking For
- Preservice social-studies teachers entering student teaching in Spring 2026.
- Cooperating teachers eager to mentor these PSTs and try new strategies.
- Methods professors who want ready-made primary-source activities for their courses.
If you're passionate about inquiry, equity, and bringing real voices from history into your classroom, we want you!
How to Apply (It's Quick!)
- Apply here and complete the short online form.
- Upload a résumé as part of your application
Hit submit—we'll confirm within a week and keep reviewing until the roster is full or by September 15, 2025.
Meet Your Guides
Dr. Sarah Kaka
Project Director & lifelong champion of authentic social studies teaching |
Ryan Suskey, J.D., M.A.T.
Co-creator of the Micro-Inquiry model; loves turning archives into engaging debates. |
We're teachers first, scholars second, and your biggest cheerleaders always.
The Journey (Timeline)
- October 4, 2025:
- Bootcamp – Explore primary-source gold mines, dissect sample Micro-Inquiries, start designing your own.
- October 2025:
- 30-min 1-to-1 Zoom coaching – Individualized feedback, questions answered fast.
- November 8, 2025:
- Peer-Teaching Institute – Teach a 20-min slice of your inquiry, get supportive critique, tweak & polish.
- January-March 2026:
- Field Test – Roll out your Micro-Inquiry during student-teaching; mentor observation + reflection.
- Saturday in April 2026 (TBD):
- Capstone Summit – Share wins, troubleshoot challenges, plan how to keep the magic going.
What You'll Master
- Pinpointing compelling questions that hook students in seconds.
- Selecting four perfect primary sources that drive curiosity and analysis.
- Guiding lively discussions where every student's voice matters.
- Assessing quick evidence-based arguments without drowning in grading.
Your Commitment
- Attend the three in-person sessions and short Zoom check-in.
- Draft, teach, and revise one Micro-Inquiry lesson in your student teaching placement.
- Share a short reflection and student work samples.
No busywork, just meaningful practice.
Perks & Support
- Paid stipend for completion of commitments
- $250 stipend for PSTs
- $200 for cooperating teachers
- Free meals on workshop days!
- 20+ professional-development hours.
- Expert feedback on lesson design and classroom delivery.
- Lifelong access to our resource folder.
Fine Print (in plain language)
- Full participation = full stipend. Life happens—talk to us if emergencies arise.
- Bring your own laptop/tablet; we'll supply Wi-Fi and coffee.
- Lessons you create will be shared open access so more teachers can benefit.
Ready to spark inquiry in your very first classroom?
Apply here—we'll save you a seat!
Questions? Reach Out!
Dr. Sarah Kaka
sjkaka@owu.edu | 740-368-3563
This project is sponsored in part by the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Midwest Region Program, located at Illinois State University. Content created and featured in partnership with the TPS Midwest Region does not indicate an endorsement by the Library of Congress.
© 2025 Ohio Wesleyan University | Library of Congress TPS Midwest Region Support
