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Her Story, Our History

In celebration of Women's History Month, we’re proud to share resources that spotlight remarkable women whose courage, vision, and determination have left a lasting mark on the world. Drawn from a rich tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, and fields, these changemakers remind us that transformation can come from anywhere—and anyone. Designed with educators in mind, this collection will help you invite students to explore diverse stories of resilience and leadership and inspire the next generation of change.

Grades 6-12

Mary Church Terrell

Mary Church Terrell was a powerhouse changemaker who co-founded the NAACP and served as the NACW's first president. This resource features her biography, archival footage, and interviews detailing her lifelong battle for suffrage and civil rights.

Grades 9-12

Sally Ride Lesson Plan

Sally Ride shattered the glass ceiling as the first American woman in space. This lesson plan includes a detailed biography, discussion questions, videos, and activities that highlight her legacy in NASA and her advocacy for STEM.

Grades 6-12

Jovita Idár

Jovita Idár was a trailblazer who championed Mexican American civil rights and women's suffrage through her fearless journalism. This site provides a video biography, a digital timeline, archival photos, and a classroom teaching guide.

Grades 5-12

The Story of Anne Frank

Through her diary, Anne Frank became a global changemaker, humanizing the Holocaust and inspiring millions to fight prejudice. This site offers a 3D virtual tour of the Secret Annex, high-resolution archives, and lesson plans for classroom exploration.

Grades 6-12

Sissieretta Jones

Sissieretta Jones was a trailblazing changemaker who became the first African American woman to headline Carnegie Hall. This resource provides a video biography, rare photos, and historical context about racial barriers in the operatic world.

Grades 6-12

Patsy Mink - Changing the Rules

Patsy Mink co-authored Title IX to end gender discrimination in education. This iCivics site offers a compelling video biography, a teacher’s guide, and student activities that are perfect for exploring civil rights and lawmaking.

Grades K-12

Judy Huemann - Life and Legacy of the Mother of the Disability Rights Movement

Judith Heumann was a legendary changemaker who led the Section 504 sit-in to secure disability rights. This site offers a rich collection of books, videos, and episodes of her podcast "The Heumann Perspective," ideal for teaching student advocacy.

Grades 4-12

Susan La Flesche Picotte

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte was the first Native American to earn a medical degree in the United States. This site features a video biography, primary documents, and a teacher’s guide detailing her work in public health and land rights.

Grades 1-12

Marley Dias

Marley Dias is a changemaker who launched #1000BlackGirlBooks to increase diverse representation in literature. Her site features her book, "Marley Dias Gets It Done," media resources, and campaign updates that inspire student-led social activism.

Grades 6-12

Margaret Chung

Changemaker Margaret Chung became the first American-born Chinese female physician and founded a famous clinic in San Francisco. This site offers a video profile, primary documents, and teaching guides on her WWII-era activism.

Grades 6-12

Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune was an African American woman who revolutionized education and advised presidents. This resource provides a comprehensive lesson plan, primary source documents, and discussion prompts that explore her legacy of social justice.

Grades 6-12

Williamina Fleming: Discoveries and Biographical Resources

Williamina Fleming discovered the Horsehead Nebula and classified thousands of stars. This Smithsonian collection provides archival photos, her journals, and interactive resources that document her path from maid to astronomer.

Grades 4-8

Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale revolutionized modern nursing through sanitation and data. This site provides authentic primary sources, including her original letters and census records, as well as classroom activities and worksheets.

Grades 3-8

Sojourner Truth | Abolitionist and Women’s Rights Activist

Sojourner Truth championed abolition and women's rights through her powerful oratory. This PBS lesson plan includes a video biography, a primary-source analysis, and teaching tips to help students explore her legacy.

This Week at TeachersFirst

Join us next Tuesday for our next free OK2Ask virtual workshop. We're also sharing a special topic collection, a selection of blog posts, a Reading Trek, and a professional article on women changemakers. Read the details below!