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I had coffee with a colleague recently and we discussed plans for lessons on Sept. 11. Robin outlined her discussion and writing plan based on George Orwell’s 1984—specifically on the “Two Minutes’ Hate” he describes.

The morning of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I logged in to Facebook as I do most weekend mornings to see the status updates of 200 or so acquaintances. Many had posted links to news articles and patriotic photos or comments about their memory of that day in 2001. I was not prepared, however, to read a blatantly xenophobic post by someone I had gone to high school with. He called for the extermination of Islam and the strategic bombing of all countries in the Middle East.

Thursday and Friday mornings, I have cafeteria duty at my elementary school. I always smile when our younger students come through the breakfast line. Their heads are at the level of the serving racks, so they have to hold their hands up to get their trays of food. I have to help them or we will have pancakes and syrup everywhere.

When we encourage our students to consider how power and privilege affect them, we must also anticipate that they’re going to want to do something about injustices they see.

A simple statement at the start of the academic year or semester can help students with post-traumatic stress disorder approach potentially triggering material on their own terms.

Simulations as professional development? This school administrator argues they can foster empathy for students with learning differences.

As teachers, we hear almost daily that we “must meet the students where they are.” It is a core tenant, a sacred truth offered as a key to successfully unlocking the hearts and minds of even the most reluctant learners.

Mindfulness a not only a great tool to help students focus, but it also helps educators to be more culturally responsive.

For some marginalized students, profound learning happens in the space between lessons.

This toolkit provides lesson plan ideas for taking a virtual civil rights tour with your students and for bringing the voices of civil rights veterans into the classroom.