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Among my third-graders, conflicts often arose over the issue of skin color. “Your mama left you in the oven too long. You look just like a burnt cookie!” “Oh yeah, well you look like a white boy. I bet you ain’t even black.” As a young white teacher coming into a school that is about half African-American and half Latino, I knew there would be racial conflicts, but I didn’t know how they would manifest themselves. I assumed that both groups’ first concern would be the oppression and racism from white people. I was not expecting the intense criticism that I found within the African-American community of its own members.

Every year, teachers find themselves at the center of banned-book debates, wondering how to teach meaningful literature in chilled atmospheres.

Bria Wright understands the impact one teacher can have—to help or to harm. Here’s how she carries that understanding into her classroom.

Trauma-sensitive and trauma-informed schools are spreading around the country. But if they don’t start with how schools themselves can induce trauma, they won’t work.

Films are a dynamic way to incorporate accurate instruction and promote cultural awareness of contemporary Native American experiences. Check out this recommended list.