Artist Robert Shetterly and staff members are looking forward to networking with social studies teachers from around the country at the 105th NCSS (National Council for the Social Studies) Annual Conference, in Washington, D.C., December 5-7, 2025. The theme of this year’s conference – “Because Democracy Depends on It” – is a perfect fit with AWTT’s mission and current focus. The three-person AWTT delegation will greet conference attendees at their exhibit in the main hall throughout the three days – connecting with old colleagues and building new relationships. The AWTT exhibit will feature four truth teller portraits, information about our resources, our school partnership program, and the opportunity to talk with founding artist Robert Shetterly, Director of Education Connie Carter, and AWTT’s Executive Director Kristie Gonzalez. Always a rich, fun, productive and exhausting endeavor!

This conference attracts a diverse audience of K-12 teachers, department chairs, and district specialists – featuring over 500 sessions and more than 200 exhibitors. Speakers at the conference include Ketanji Brown Jackson and Hakeem Jeffries.  

And this from Tina Heafner, Ph.D., conference co-chair, envisioning the conference dynamic:

“. . . a conference that will inspire social studies teachers to have hope, joy, and love for what they teach and who they serve. As educators, you are the torchbearers of democracy, and our theme this year, “Because Democracy Depends on It,” honors your vital role in shaping informed, empathetic, and engaged citizens. Democracy relies upon public participation, an educated populace, a commitment to people-centered justice and fairness, and compassion and respect for the humanity of each of us. As social studies educators, we play an integral role in protecting democracy now and in perpetuity.

“. . . It is about creating liberatory spaces where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, where everyone is valued and respected, and where everyone’s consciousness is raised about the world around them. Teaching for democracy goes beyond teaching about governance and instead calls upon us to empower students to use critical knowledge and skills to advocate individually and collectively for a more just future. . . .

“. . . May we find joy in collaboration and congregation as we seek to foster new relationships to enrich the work we do because democracy depends on it. We envision a conference where educators are lifted up, empowered, and liberated to do their best work and are inspired to do the same with their students when they return to their classrooms. This conference is not just professional development—it is a celebration of our shared mission and a space to recharge, reconnect, and reimagine the future of social studies education together.”

AWTT staff is all-in on this one. See you at the conference!