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When I took the opportunity to co-teach a mixed-grade level coed dance class, I expected some of the boys to be reluctant to participate in the ballet portion for fear of being seen as gay or at the very least feminine. To cut this off before it started, I used a Teaching Tolerance lesson plan that allows students to explore gender stereotypes. I put labels on each student’s back with the name of a profession. I assigned traditionally male careers to girls and traditionally female careers to boys. Students had to figure out their profession by asking yes or no questions of their classmates. Afterwards, they reflected on their reaction to the assigned profession. This activity set the stage for breaking down stereotypes as we also introduced ballet as a dance form.

The transition from middle school to ninth grade creates chaos for students. In eighth grade, students know their teachers and their classmates. They have a safe academic home. Then comes high school.

Not all kids need the same interventions. Check out part three of our three-part series for bullying interventions that can help the majority of students.

Historian Ned Blackhawk explains why we must understand Indigenous enslavement to fully understand American history.

Teaching Tolerance director Maureen Costello wants us to overcome fear.

Librarian Amy Trulock shows her visitors that, even in a closed facility, their library can be a positive, affirming space.

Inequitable cafeteria practices stigmatize low-income students.