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Girl Power: Women Who Make an Impact in the World of Civics

Through the intentional reflection of whose voices are included and represented when lesson planning, we are given the power to change what stories our students know. Educators can become advocates for the inclusion of women’s history, and immerse their female students in the possibility that they too can be change makers. Here are 5 resources from PBS LearningMedia that elevate women who have made, or are currently making an impact through civic engagement.

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Making Black America: Pathways for Learning

History fills students with narratives that help make sense of the world around us – be it global, national, or local relationships. Studying history can inspire and motivate us, improve our decision-making and judgment. History helps us understand other cultures and ourselves, builds citizenship and civic engagement, and can provide insight into present-day problems. We can learn about past conflicts and learn how communities can rise above and provide strength, unity, and resources in the absence of that support, and create a...

Current & Trending Voices in Education

An Ode to Educator Self Care

At the start of this school year I was met with that distinct classroom smell as I opened the door to my classroom. It was a combination of books, dry air, and the lingering water from the AC vents. My thoughts instantly spiraled: How do I get rid of that smell? Are the vents working? What’s my plan for filtering the air? Am I allowed to mandate masks? What are the latest covid procedures for my specific school site? As educators we know that these thoughts aren’t just reserved for the back-to-school season, they can occur...

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Art, Culture, and Education: A Conversation with Choctaw Artist Kristin Gentry

Indigenous tribes and cultures are often misrepresented in both the media and curriculum of our classrooms. In this conversation, Choctaw Nation citizen Kristin Gentry provides insight on misconceptions of indigenous people, educates on her Choctaw heritage, and provides pathways for educators on ways to enrich the education of students with accurate representations and historical information on Indigenous people. 

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Civic Engagement: Local Histories, Family Narratives and Young Leaders

I can’t believe just two short years ago we were teaching through a presidential election, and now the midterms are just around the corner. During my time as an educator, teaching U.S History and civics to middle school students, I found that oftentimes it was easier for my students to make a connection to the midterm elections during a presidential election year.  This connection is crucial to having our students know and feel that they can participate in our democracy. This is also important in aiding ourselves as educators in...

Current & Trending Voices in Education

How To Create A More Engaging Classroom Community

Our work is the sincere work of preparing the future stewards of our country. It is not hyperbole to say we must prepare our students to face the issues they will inherit. Sadly, our students will inherit a hotter planet, an overpopulated world, a politically unstable democracy, and the social oppression of people and communities–these are real problems requiring solutions that our students can provide if we help them develop essential skills. 

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10 Tips for Teaching About the Holocaust

Teaching about the Holocaust has been one of my career's most meaningful and challenging tasks. No other topic has allowed my students to struggle with complex issues and moral questions quite like the Holocaust. Whether you are teaching a short unit or a year-long elective, there is never enough time.

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It’s Back-To-School: 5 Tips to Keep That Summer Glow During the School Year

It’s that time of year again, when we say farewell to the summer season and prepare for a new school year. As I call it, going from summer mode to school mode. It can be a rough transition for many, and it often comes with a mix of emotions. While there can be excitement about the newness of the year: new clothes, new backpack, and new school supplies there is also the sadness that comes with leaving behind the carefree summer moments and worries/anxiety that can come with entering a new grade/school, making new friends, and...

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Pushing Toward APUSH: Online Resources to Help Students Prepare for the AP US History Exam

Between now and the APUSH exam, ease your students’ fears. Let them know that one day, APUSH students will write about their historical experiences.  After that, focus on the fundamentals. Help your students craft resources to make their writing clear and their points decipherable. And last, arm your students with some quality outside resources to take advantage of that extra rubric point. Take advantage of the work that Ken Burns has already done; tell them to “PBS and chill.”  You can do this, and so can your students.

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