GA Council for the Social Studies Pre-Conference Clinic

During this pre-conference clinic geared towards elementary educators, literacy coaches and specialists, and school librarians, participants will be introduced to Space Medal of Honor Recipient Ronald McNair’s journey from a small town where he experienced segregation all the way to the stars aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Attendees will engage with a series of mini-lessons from our It’s Possible Activity Bundle written by MOHHC Teacher Fellows in collaboration with the Tennessee Reading Research Center. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, these ELA, History, and STEAM mini-lessons are designed to strategically aid literacy and STEM skills development while introducing young learners to a courageous American who overcame a number of barriers.

Participants will also explore how Ron let values like courage and commitment guide his every step and how our accompanying mini-lesson activities encourage students to consider what these same values look like in their own lives.

A moderated discussion with award-winning children’s book author Rita Lorraine Hubbard will afford attendees insight into how the story was crafted and an opportunity to ask relevant questions. Participants will walk away with a copy of our children’s book It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair and free, standards-aligned materials ready for classroom use.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

– Date: October 21, 2026

– Location: Courtyard by Marriott Athens Downtown 390 E Washington St. Athens, GA 30601

– Time: 8:30am–3:30pm EDT

– Breakfast and Lunch Provided

– Receive a copy of It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair and walk away with standards-aligned mini-lessons ready for classroom use

– $200 stipend + $100 directly submitted to school for sub reimbursement if needed (*must participate the full day and complete the workshop survey to receive stipend)

*MUST BE REGISTERED FOR GCSS CONFERENCE TO ATTEND