Society for History Education

Society for History Education is a professional organization founded in 1977 by Carl Degler, John Hope Franklin, and C. Vann Woodward to promote the teaching and learning of American History, World History, and other fields of historical study, such as Ancient History and Medieval History. The organization aims to support History Teachers and Historians like Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough in their efforts to educate students about the past, including significant events like the American Revolution, World War I, and the Civil Rights Movement. By providing resources and opportunities for professional development, the Society for History Education seeks to enhance the quality of history education in schools and universities, such as Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and Yale University. This endeavor is also supported by other organizations, including the National Council on Social Studies, American Historical Association, and the Organization of American Historians.

● History

The Society for History Education was established in response to the growing need for improved history education in the United States, as highlighted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the National Center for Education Statistics. Since its founding, the organization has worked to address issues like the No Child Left Behind Act and the Common Core State Standards Initiative, which have impacted the teaching of United States History, European History, and other subjects. The Society has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives and Records Administration, to promote the study of history and support the work of historians like Eric Foner and Lizabeth Cohen. Additionally, the Society has recognized the contributions of notable historians, including Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Barbara Tuchman, and Gordon Wood, who have shaped our understanding of historical events like the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the Cold War.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the Society for History Education is to promote excellence in the teaching and learning of history, with a focus on K-12 Education and Higher Education. The organization's objectives include supporting the development of History Curriculum, providing resources for History Teachers, and fostering a community of historians and educators who share a passion for history, including Archaeology, Anthropology, and Sociology. The Society also seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in the teaching of history, recognizing the importance of perspectives from historians like W.E.B. Du Bois, Mary Beth Norton, and Nell Irvin Painter. By achieving these objectives, the Society aims to enhance the understanding of historical events, such as the Reconstruction Era, the Great Depression, and the Vietnam War, and to inspire future generations of historians, including those at institutions like Stanford University, University of Chicago, and Columbia University.

● Publications

The Society for History Education publishes a range of materials to support the teaching and learning of history, including the Journal of History Education, which features articles by historians like James M. McPherson and Drew Gilpin Faust. The organization also produces teaching resources, such as lesson plans and primary sources, to help educators teach topics like Ancient Civilizations, The Renaissance, and The Enlightenment. Additionally, the Society publishes books and monographs on historical topics, including works by historians like Gordon S. Wood, Linda Kerber, and Gary Nash. These publications are designed to support the work of historians and educators at institutions like University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, and Duke University, and to promote a deeper understanding of historical events, such as the American Civil War, the Russian Revolution, and the Chinese Revolution.

● Conferences_and_Awards

The Society for History Education hosts conferences and workshops to bring together historians and educators from institutions like University of California, Los Angeles, New York University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. These events provide opportunities for professional development, networking, and collaboration, and feature presentations by historians like David Blight and Annette Gordon-Reed. The Society also presents awards to recognize excellence in history teaching and research, including the James Harvey Robinson Prize, which honors outstanding contributions to the field of history education. Other awards, such as the Bancroft Prize and the Pulitzer Prize, also recognize the work of historians and educators who have made significant contributions to our understanding of historical events, such as the Mexican-American War, the Spanish-American War, and the Korean War.

● Membership_and_Participation

Membership in the Society for History Education is open to historians, educators, and students from institutions like University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Brown University. Members receive access to the organization's publications, including the Journal of History Education, and are eligible to participate in conferences and workshops. The Society also offers opportunities for members to get involved in committees and task forces, which focus on issues like History Standards, Assessment and Evaluation, and Diversity and Inclusion. By participating in these activities, members can contribute to the development of history education and support the work of historians like Natalie Zemon Davis and William Cronon, who have shaped our understanding of historical events, such as the Black Death, the Thirty Years War, and the French and Indian War.

● Governance_and_Leadership

The Society for History Education is governed by a board of directors, which includes historians and educators from institutions like University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and University of Southern California. The board is responsible for setting the organization's strategic direction and overseeing its operations, including the publication of the Journal of History Education and the presentation of awards like the James Harvey Robinson Prize. The Society's leadership also includes a president and executive director, who work to promote the organization's mission and objectives, and to support the work of historians and educators who are shaping our understanding of historical events, such as the Watergate Scandal, the Iran-Contra Affair, and the September 11 attacks. By working together, the Society's leaders and members can advance the field of history education and promote a deeper understanding of the past, including the experiences of diverse groups, such as African Americans, Native Americans, and Latin Americans.

Category:Historical organizations