Our Mission
The Department of Social Science and Civic Engagement builds transformational schools that ignite curiosity, promote agency, and elevate active participation in civic life.
Our Vision
Every student has the skills, knowledge, and habits necessary to effectively contribute to and participate in the social, political, and economic life of their communities and world.
Meet the Team

Latest News and Updates
NEW Partner Directory
Looking for an exciting partnership to enrich your classroom instruction or student-led inquiry project? Look no further! Visit the Partner Directory to connect with School Partners.
We're Hiring! Grow with SSCE
Looking for innovators in K-8 Social Science. We're hiring Content Specialists and a K-5 Social Science Manager.
If you are passionate about culturally responsive inquiry in Elementary School - please apply today on Taleo
- 220000U1: SS Content Specialist, 6-8
- 220000P8: SS Content Specialist, K-5
- 220000PC: Social Science Manager
Social Science Department Chairs Retreat
Join us with Dr. Clint Smith and Dr. Asif Wilson. A day of learning on new IL SS Standards and resources to support you and your team in preparing for new & exciting changes in social science instruction. Department Chairs or Course and Grade Level Leads can register on Learning Hub using Class Code: 110167.
See Powerful Discussion and Deliberatation in CPS Classrooms
Recent Blog Posts

Discover and Exercise the Power of Voting—for Those of Us Who Can’t
Oct. 30, 2020 | By: Crystal Campos
Crystal Campos is a 12th-grade student at John Hancock College Preparatory located in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago.

Why Society Must Address Intersectional Discrimination
June 14, 2021 | By: Tabitha Walton & Alexis Saunders-Davis
Tabitha Walton and Alexis Saunders-Davis are 11th graders at Orr Academy High School located between the West Garfield and Humboldt Park neighborhoods.

Multicultural Arts High School Cross Content Exploration of 1919-Red Summer
Feb. 1, 2022 | By: SSCE Staff
An interview with Anna Deem and Ryan Williams on their interdisciplinary unit of Red Summer.