We're saddened by the news of yet another classroom lesson on slavery involving a troubling simulation—but we're not surprised. Our research has shown some common pitfalls when teaching and learning about slavery. In this edition of The Moment, we explain why mock auctions—along with simulations of the Middle Passage—do more harm than good, and we provide resources for teaching this history more effectively.
After recent news and photographs from El Paso—of asylum-seeking families held in chain-link, barbed-wire pens—your immigrant students may be feeling afraid, and you may feel unsure how to support them. These resources recommend steps you can take inside and outside your classroom to address injustice and insist on the human dignity of all people, no matter where they're born.
With the news of U.S. Border Patrol officers using tear gas against asylum-seekers in Mexico—affecting, among others, small children—we are reminded of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As its 70th anniversary approaches, we invite you to introduce its depth and relevance to your students with these resources—and to remember its enduring words: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."
News of a Florida principal’s refusal to expand mandatory Holocaust education because he must remain “politically neutral” has been met with disbelief and anger. But it’s just an extreme example of a concern we hear all the time: Accusations of partisanship are used to pressure educators into silence on topics that matter. These resources are reminders that not every story has two sides—and it’s educators’ job to teach students the truth.
News right now is dominated by rhetoric that casts immigrants as dangerous and is likely leaving Americans of many identities, including some of your students, feeling fearful and angry. Today, consider using these resources to teach your students about the long legacy of mistrust and discrimination immigrants from many countries have endured and how we can all use our voices to resist myths and misinformation.
This week, police body camera video was released showing a 6-year-old pulled from her classroom and arrested. In September, when this event occurred, we shared resources about ending traumatic practices that hurt students of color. With this back in the news, we’re focusing on systems that disproportionately harm students of color and offering resources to help disrupt those systems. We hope you’ll read, share and do the same.
The news—and disturbing footage—of police officers assaulting an unarmed black teenager in Florida last week shines yet another spotlight on the dangers black youth face every day. Your students have likely seen the video and conversation surrounding #JusticeForLucca. These resources will help you understand how this violent footage can affect students, how to discuss this news with them and how you can bring #BlackLivesMatter into your classroom.
This week, a Texas teacher made news by tweeting President Trump to ask for help “actively investigating and removing” undocumented students from her district. In the face of this stark reminder of the hostility undocumented children face even from those charged with their care, we’re sharing our best resources for supporting and protecting undocumented students. We hope you’ll use and share them, and that you’ll continue to stand up for all of the young people in your schools.