Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Read about the significant underrepresentation of Latino achievements in U.S. history education. A joint study by UnidosUS and Johns Hopkins University revealed that only 13% of essential topics related to the Latino experience are adequately covered in current textbooks. The article emphasizes the importance of integrating Latino narratives into the broader American story to provide a more accurate and inclusive historical perspective. It highlights notable figures such as Juan Garrido, the first documented Black person in North America, and Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to explore the West Coast. Educators are encouraged to incorporate these contributions into their curricula to enrich students' understanding of the nation's diverse heritage.

tag(s): hispanic (46)

The American Experience: Native Peoples collection on PBS LearningMedia provides educators with a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into the histories, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous communities in the United States. Topics covered include the forced relocations such as the Trail of Tears, the impact of government-run boarding schools on Indigenous children, Native American involvement in the Civil War, and the American Indian Movement's role in events like the Wounded Knee occupation. These materials offer valuable insights to enhance classroom discussions and promote a deeper understanding of Native American histories and contemporary issues.

tag(s): civil war (142), native americans (116)

The Biography.com feature "23 Influential Hispanic Americans Who Have Made History" offers an engaging overview of prominent Hispanic figures whose achievements have significantly impacted American society. The article highlights individuals across various fields, including politics, arts, science, and activism. Notable figures include Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic American on the U.S. Supreme Court; labor leader Cesar Chavez, who co-founded the United Farm Workers; and EGOT-winning performer Rita Moreno. This resource serves as an excellent tool for educators aiming to introduce students to the diverse contributions of Hispanic Americans.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): famous people (28), hispanic (46)

Explore up-to-date demographic insights into the Latino population in the United States. When this resource was created, Latinos accounted for 19% of the U.S. population, totaling 63.6 million people, and were responsible for 53% of the nation's population growth since 2010. The article highlights the diversity within the Latino community, noting that individuals of Mexican origin make up nearly 60% of the U.S. Latino population, followed by Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans, Cubans, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Colombians, and Hondurans. Additionally, it discusses the significant increase in multiracial identification among Latinos, with more than 27 million identifying with more than one race in 2022, up from 3 million in 2010. These findings offer valuable context for educators aiming to incorporate comprehensive and current information about Latino communities into their curricula.

tag(s): cultures (226), hispanic (46), population (51)

Check out this curated collection of engaging activities designed to honor and explore Hispanic Americans' contributions and culture. Find a variety of lesson ideas suitable for different grade levels, such as student-led research projects on influential Hispanic figures, cultural celebrations featuring traditional music and dance, and creative writing assignments inspired by Hispanic literature. These activities aim to foster cultural awareness and appreciation, providing teachers with practical tools to integrate Hispanic Heritage Month into their curriculum effectively

tag(s): art history (108), creative writing (126), cultures (226), hispanic (46)

This storytelling project highlights the experiences and voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals in media, entertainment, and beyond. This resource provides powerful personal narratives, video interviews, and educational materials to help students explore identity, representation, and resilience themes. Teachers can use these stories to foster discussions on diversity, inclusion, and the impact of storytelling in shaping cultural awareness. This resource is particularly valuable for middle and high school students studying media, literature, or social studies. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): acting (21), asia (136), composers (20), cultures (226), diversity (46), famous people (28), identity (37), sports (85), stories and storytelling (63)

This podcast features heartfelt conversations with Asian American leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members about identity, heritage, and personal experiences. The podcast host explores immigration, family expectations, career journeys, and social justice through discussions with guests from diverse backgrounds and career paths. Teachers can use episodes to introduce students to diverse Asian American voices, foster discussions on identity and belonging, and encourage personal storytelling. This resource is ideal for middle and high school students studying cultural identity, history, or social issues.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): asia (136), careers (183), identity (37), immigrants (48), immigration (84), oral history (14), podcasts (118), stories and storytelling (63)

Listen to episodes of this engaging podcast to explore Asian American culture, identity, and current events with humor and insight. The podcast discusses topics like representation in media, politics, and social justice by featuring interviews with authors, actors, activists, and other influential voices. New episodes are available bi-weekly and are approximately forty-five minutes long. Teachers can use episodes to spark classroom discussions, analyze cultural narratives, and explore the evolving Asian American experience. This resource is handy for middle and high school students studying media, history, or social issues.

tag(s): creating media (18), cross cultural understanding (178), diversity (46), famous people (28), immigrants (48), immigration (84), podcasts (118)

The Asian American History 101 podcast provides educators with insightful discussions on the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans. Covering topics such as immigration, activism, historical events, and representation in media, the podcast offers an engaging way to incorporate Asian American perspectives into the classroom. Teachers can use episodes to spark discussions, supplement history lessons, or provide students with diverse narratives that connect past and present. With its accessible format and wide range of topics, this resource helps foster a deeper understanding of Asian American heritage and experiences.

tag(s): asia (136), canada (25), comics and cartoons (56), cooking (33), courts (24), cultures (226), immigrants (48), immigration (84), japan (62), japanese (54), podcasts (118)

Take advantage of the twenty profiles found on this site to learn about Asian American activism, resistance, and contributions to social justice movements. Through primary sources, lesson plans, and storytelling, this collection challenges traditional narratives by centering Asian Americans' roles in labor rights, immigration struggles, and civil rights. Teachers can use these materials to foster critical discussions, connect history to present-day issues, and encourage students to analyze history from diverse perspectives. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): civil rights (219), composers (20), immigration (84), japanese (54), newspapers (94), perspective (20), stories and storytelling (63), women (154), womenchangemaker (39), world war 2 (163)

Step into a vibrant tapestry of stories, art, and activism with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center's "Learning Together" platform. This dynamic educational resource offers educators a wealth of resources to bring Asian American and Pacific Islander voices into the classroom. From lesson plans addressing anti-Asian racism to art-making modules and literature guides, the site provides tools to encourage inclusive, culturally responsive learning. Interactive features like video interviews, downloadable activities, and curated Learning Lab collections support Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Arts integration.

tag(s): asia (136), cultures (226), empathy (37), racism (83)

ThinkTV's article "10 Jewish Americans Who Changed History" highlights the significant contributions of notable Jewish Americans, including Albert Einstein, Gloria Steinem, Irving Berlin, Jerry Lewis, and Elizabeth Taylor. The resource provides brief biographies and accompanying videos, making it an engaging way for students to learn about these influential figures. Educators can use this content to introduce students to diverse individuals who have shaped American history and culture through science, social activism, music, entertainment, and film.

tag(s): acting (21), composers (20), cultures (226), famous people (28), immigrants (48), jews (52), religions (113)

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) Education Resources website offers a wealth of materials for teaching about Japanese American history, culture, and civil rights. Educators can access lesson plans, digital exhibits, primary sources, and interactive activities that explore topics such as immigration, incarceration during World War II, and contributions to American society. These resources help students engage with history through storytelling, critical thinking, and discussions on civil liberties, making them valuable for social studies, history, and civics classrooms. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): civil rights (219), critical thinking (137), fashion (14), immigrants (48), immigration (84), japan (62), japanese (54), origami (15), stories and storytelling (63), world war 2 (163)

This digital exhibit from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is an interactive platform highlighting the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The exhibit provides an immersive learning experience that fosters understanding and appreciation of AAPI experiences through multimedia storytelling, artwork, historical artifacts, and personal narratives. Educators can use this resource to engage students in discussions about identity, resilience, and cultural heritage while integrating primary sources and creative expressions into their lessons. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): artists (87), asia (136), authors (108), cultures (226), famous people (28), japan (62), japanese (54), multimedia (55), scientists (71)