Returning to the Classroom Renewed: Reflections from NCSS
<p><em>By Katie Schneringer</em></p>
<p>Walking back into my classroom after the National Council for the Social Studies Conference (NCSS) this year, I felt something I don’t always get in the middle of a busy school year—a genuine sense of renewal.</p>
<p>I’ve worked with the Bill of Rights Institute for many years, but attending NCSS as a recipient of the 2025 Gary Colletti Scholarship offered a new and deeply meaningful perspective on the work BRI does and the community it builds. Being selected for the scholarship was an honor, but the experience surrounding it made it truly special.</p>
<p>At the Colletti breakfast, hearing Gary’s story shared so thoughtfully—and meeting his family, including his mother—was profoundly moving. It was clear how intentionally BRI continues to honor Gary’s legacy, not just through the scholarship itself, but through the way it invests in teachers and believes deeply in the power of civic education.</p>
<p>The conference was everything a social studies teacher hopes for; inspiring sessions, practical strategies, and the chance to learn alongside passionate educators from across the country. Listening to teachers share their expertise reminded me why this work matters and gave me permission to try new ideas, take risks, and step out of familiar routines. It was the kind of professional learning that doesn’t just add tools to your toolbox—it reignites your purpose.</p>
<p>And then there was Washington, D.C.</p>
<p>Having spent time in our nation’s capital on my own allowed me to move through it slowly—on foot, with my camera, and with no agenda beyond curiosity. I found myself standing at the Lincoln Memorial, wandering the quiet paths of the FDR Memorial, and pausing in places that gently urge you to slow down. Those quiet moments stayed with me most. Sitting there, unhurried and uninterrupted, I was able to reflect and simply be present. There was no rush to drive my boys to baseball practice, no dogs waiting to be walked, and—miraculously—no one asking what’s for dinner. For a brief and meaningful moment, I was able to take it all in — an experience that doesn’t often happen in the fullness of everyday life.</p>
<p>Most of all, this experience filled my cup. Not as a mother. Not as a wife. But as me—an educator, a learner, and someone who still believes deeply in the power of history and civics to shape young people. I returned home energized, grateful, and excited to start our second semester with fresh ideas, renewed purpose, and yes—possibly a minor conference-season cold to prove I truly did it all.</p>
<p>To the Bill of Rights Institute: thank you for your generosity, your leadership, and the meaningful way you honor Gary Colletti’s impact. This experience reminded me how powerful it is when educators are supported, valued, and trusted to do this work well.</p>
<p>And to fellow educators: if you’re considering applying for the Gary Colletti Scholarship or taking the time to reflect on your own professional journey, I can’t recommend it enough. Step out of your routine. Learn from one another. Walk the places you teach about. Let yourself be inspired again.</p>
<p>Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our students is first allow ourselves to remember why we love this work.</p>
<p><em>Katie Schneringer is the social studies department chair at Mullen High School in Denver, CO. She is also a recipient of the Bill of Rights Institute’s 2025 Gary Colletti Scholarship.</em></p>