About Us: The Nova Scotia Social Studies Teachers Association (SSTA)

Welcome to the Nova Scotia Social Studies Teachers Association (SSTA). We are a vibrant, provincial professional association of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU), dedicated to supporting, inspiring, and connecting educators who bring history, geography, citizenship, economics, and sociology to life in classrooms across the province.

From Cape Breton to the South Shore, our members are shaping the global citizens, critical thinkers, and community leaders of tomorrow.

Our Mission

To foster excellence in social studies education by providing Nova Scotia teachers with high-quality professional development, innovative resources, and a collaborative community where pedagogical ideas can thrive.

What We Do

We believe that a strong democracy and an empathetic society begin with a robust social studies education. To support our teachers in this vital work, the NSSSTA focuses on three core pillars:

• Professional Development: We host our landmark annual October conference, bringing together educators, historians, and experts for workshops that inspire new teaching practices and deepen subject-matter expertise.

• Curriculum & Resources: We advocate for and help implement culturally responsive, forward-thinking social studies curricula that reflect the diverse histories of Mi'kma'ki, Canada, and the wider world.

• Community & Networking: We provide a platform for teachers to share lesson plans, collaborate on best practices, and support one another across all grade levels (P–12).

Why Social Studies Matters

In an increasingly complex world, social studies education is more critical than ever. We help students navigate the past, understand the present, and actively shape the future. Through our work, we champion:

1. Critical Thinking: Teaching students how to analyze sources, question assumptions, and understand multiple perspectives.

2. Inquiry-Based Learning: Encouraging curiosity about human history, societies, and the environments we inhabit.

3. Active Citizenship: Empowering youth to understand their rights, responsibilities, and the power of their own voices in a democratic society.

Connect With Us

Whether you are a pre-service teacher just starting out, a seasoned high school history guru, or an elementary educator weaving civic concepts into your daily routine, the SSTA is your professional home. Join us as we explore the stories that define us, the geographies that shape us, and the ideas that move us forward.

• Get Involved: Attend our next conference, join our executive committee, or share your favorite classroom resource with our network.

The SSTA gratefully acknowledges that we live, work, and teach on Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People.

The SSTA is a member of the Social Studies Educators Network of Canada (SSENC).