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Many educators silently wrestle with this question: Is Black History Month a window of opportunity or just a pigeonhole?

We asked our 25 Teaching Tolerance Advisory Board members what advice they would offer to fellow educators about Black History Month. Each of these experienced educators offers a wealth of expertise, especially when it comes to bringing multicultural topics into the classroom.

Every day, not just the days in February, should be an opportunity for students to learn about Black history, experiences and people. Here are four ways to do it.

It’s not too late to put the best practices into place for honoring Black History Month in February and throughout the year.

Historian Carter G. Woodson established the first Negro History Week in 1926—a celebration that later became Black History Month. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, a group founded by Woodson, selects a new theme for Black History Month each year. This year’s theme is "Black Women in American Culture and History."

How do you ensure students get the most out of black history and Black History Month? Here are some suggestions.

Planning for Black History Month can be authentic without falling into the pitfalls of the “heroes and holidays.” Look for ways to involve the entire school community and teach about the history and experiences of African Americans across the curriculum and throughout the year.

Careful planning, thoughtfulness and alliances will help educators avoid the pitfalls of Black History Month.