Professional Development

Crafting the American Soundtrack: Ellis Island, Jewish Immigration, and Musical Legacy

Join ICS and TeachRock to discover how music and primary sources bring to life the American immigrant experience between 1880 to 1924.

Oct
29
2026
‍•
Sep
10
2026
Virtual

Event Overview

Event Description

Join ICS and TeachRock to discover how music and primary sources bring to life the American immigrant experience between 1880 to 1924. Educators will explore strategies for analyzing song lyrics, Ellis Island artifacts, and iconic instruments crafted by newcomers who shaped the nation's soundtrack. The session will also examine the push-and-pull factors of Jewish immigration, the cultural contributions of Jewish Americans, and political backlash to this immigration wave. Participants will walk away with adaptable, classroom-ready resources that foster empathy, historical inquiry, and critical thinking.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for educators of U.S. History, World History, Ethnic Studies, and Human Geography who are seeking new instruction and learning tools.

What You'll Walk Away With

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Use music and cultural artifacts as primary sources for historical inquiry
  • Draw conclusions about the benefits of teaching and learning through primary sources
  • Facilitate classroom activities centering primary source analysis to improve student engagement and learning
  • Access ready-to-use ICS and TeachRock lesson plans and resources aligned to U.S. History, Ethnic Studies, and related disciplines

Cost

Registration for free. You will receive an email confirming your registration.

Continuing Education Credit Eligibility

Participants who select a certificate will receive one worth 2 hours, which can be applied toward continuing education credit. ICS is an approved professional development provider in New York, Texas, and Michigan. Teachers attending from these states who would like CE points should indicate this when registering, and ICS will provide the appropriate documentation.

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