Teaching the Middle East: A Balanced History (15 Apr 2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

The Capital District Council for the Social Studies, and Community Relations Council of Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York present

Teaching the Middle East:

A Balanced History

with Union College Professor Stephen M. Berk

Join Union College History Professor Stephen Berk for a guided exploration of the history and current events of the Middle East, designed specifically for educators.

Deepen your content knowledge while engaging with instructional strategies rooted in best practices. This session offers both historical context and practical tools to help you navigate complex topics with clarity, balance, and confidence in the classroom.

Following the lecture, participants will take part in an interactive discussion focused on how to address issues in the Middle East with students thoughtfully, sensitively, and in age-appropriate ways. In challenging times, Social Studies educators play a vital role in creating space for informed,respectful conversations about complex global issues.

About the presenter: Dr. Stephen M. Berk, distinguished Henry and Sally Schaeffer chair of Holocaust and Jewish Studies at Union College and former chair of the Department of History. He is an internationally respected authority on American foreign policy in the Middle East and frequently serves as a consultant for the media.

There will be a light supper for registered in-person attendees!

CTLE credit will be provided by the CDCSS for all certified middle and high school teachers. Registration is being handled by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York. A light supper, including a vegetarian choice, will be provided.

In-person registration deadline is Friday, April 10.

Click here to register

Sponsored by CDCSS & the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York; supplimental resources from the Institute of Curriculum Services may be referenced.

George Washington: An American Paradox (23 Apr 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Join the CDCSS for

a Zoom webinar,

Description:

Examine George Washington’s artifacts and gain a fuller perspective— balancing his pivotal role in founding the United States with the grave harms committed under his command, reflecting tensions between liberty and entrenched systems of white supremacy, wealth, and power

Presented by NYS Museum Historian, Aaron Noble

60 minutes of CTLE

Date/Time:

Thursday, April 23, 2026 - 4:30 PM Eastern Time

The Zoom link will be sent to those who complete registration. This event is free for CDCSS members and $25 for non-members (Includes one year of CDCSS membership)

CDCSS upcoming events

Teaching the Middle East: A Balanced History (15 Apr 2026)

George Washington: An American Paradox (23 Apr 2026)