Sailing Into America’s 250th: A Free PD Event for Social Studies Teachers

Join us in Erie, PA, for a unique, in-person professional development opportunity designed to help social studies educators start preparing for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Held at the Erie Maritime Museum, the week before the exciting Tall Ships Festival, this free one-day event includes an engaging PD session, a guided museum tour, and plenty of practical takeaways to bring back to your classroom.

📚 Session topics may include:

• Teaching the Declaration of Independence

• Civics and the Constitution

• The Wealth of Nations and American economic thought

• Classroom-ready strategies for engaging students in historical thinking

🍽️ Included with registration:

• Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments

• Guided tour of the Erie Maritime Museum

• A $50 Amazon gift card for attendees who stay for the full day

We do recommend you bring a laptop or tablet. Space is limited to 30 participants. This is a free event, but registration is required. If you register but later find you're unable to attend, please let us know by emailing YXNrIHwgaXp6aXQgISBvcmc= so we can offer your seat to a waitlisted educator.

About the Presenter

This event is hosted by izzit.org®, a nonprofit organization providing free educational content and professional development for teachers nationwide. izzit.org is dedicated to helping educators spark curiosity, inspire critical thinking, and connect students to the foundations of American history, civics, and economics. Our application to become an Act 48-approved provider is currently under review, and we’re committed to offering PD that’s both practical and valuable for Pennsylvania educators.

We’re excited to partner with the Heinz History Center, PA Civics, and Sphere Education Initiatives to bring this experience to life.

Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments details

Wegmans will be providing the catering.

You will be prompted to select your sub sandwich boxed lunch after registering for the event.

Breakfast will be a buffet featuring petite pastries, yogurt parfaits, bagels, muffins, and fruit.

Regular and decaf coffee, tea, and water will be available throughout the day.

Also check out other Festivals in Erie.