National Council of Social Studies (NCSS) prepares students for college, career and civic life. We envision a world in which all students are educated and inspired for lifelong inquiry and informed civic action. Our mission is to advocate and build capacity for high-quality social studies by providing leadership, services, and support to educators. We are the largest professional association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. We support social studies teachers nationwide and in several countries in teaching students the content knowledge, intellectual skills and civic values necessary for fulfilling the duties of citizenship in a participatory democracy.The past few years have been a period of innovation and growth at NCSS. We have built partnerships with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Newseum and C3 Teachers to co-sponsor our summer teaching institutes. We have more than doubled the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, expanding its reach to over 600 chapters in 41 states and 4 countries.Prior to my work at NCSS, I built a career in teaching and education leadership, at the district, regional, and state levels. I served for nine years at the New York State Education Department, including four years as the Coordinator of Technology Policy.