Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies is the largest professional association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies. With members in all the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 35 countries, NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, civics, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. The NCSS membership represents K-12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, social studies supervisors, and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute the social studies.

Membership in National Council for the Social Studies is open to any person or institution interested in the social studies.

Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion guide the policies, procedures, and educational practices of NCSS as we engage in collaborative action that values differences and includes underrepresented voices to promote a holistic understanding of humanity, cultures, and the world around us.

Diversity is the acknowledgment, acceptance, and appreciation of human differences from a broad range of characteristics and traits, including but not limited to race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, language, religion, (dis)ability, age, national origin, ethnicity, or political perspectives.

Equity is creating and enacting policies, educational practices, and attitudes that ensure equitable power, access, opportunities, and outcomes for all.  

Inclusion is shared decision-making by authentically and intentionally welcoming the diversity of human differences to recognize and value everyone’s agency and experiences.