Bring History to Life in 2023!

January 13. 2023

Bring History and Social Studies to Life Through Live Speakers!

Available in-person or virtually for your classroom

Consider including live speakers and panelists for students grades 7-12 as follows:

Intercultural Panels with Indigenous, African, Latino/Hispanic, Asian, Jewish and Muslim American speakers that supplement the study of American history, colonialism, racism, and American pluralism. Topics include: Countering Bullying with Knowledge, Civility, and Respect and Countering Bigotry and Racism through Calls to Action. Available in 1-to-4-hour formats. Schedule here.

Interreligious Panels with Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh American speakers that supplement the study of world religions and contemporary issues. Topics include: Living the Faith, Shared Values, Religious Holidays, Women, Peacemaking and many more. Available in 1-to-2-hour formats. Schedule here.

Muslim American speakers on topics that supplement the study of Islam in world history, the Middle East, and contemporary issues. Topics include: Getting to Know Muslim Americans and Their Faith, A History of Muslims in America, Muslim Contributions to Civilization, Muslim Women Beyond the Stereotypes, Islamophobia and Its Impact, and Ramadan and Fasting. Available in 45-90-minute formats. Schedule here.

Teaching About Religion: Do’s and Don’ts

Here’s a guide adapted from the First Amendment Center that helps educators understand how to teach about religion in public schools. The following example is an excerpt from ING’s Q&A section:

May schools invite guest speakers to help with the study of their religion?

The First Amendment Center recommends that teachers refer to their school district’s policies concerning guest speakers in the classroom. In choosing a guest, the Center suggests inviting someone with the academic background necessary for an objective and scholarly discussion of the historical period and the religion being considered and encourages utilizing speakers who understand First Amendment guidelines when teaching about religion in public schools.

Teaching About Racism

For teachers of students of all ages, Harvard Graduate School of Education discusses principles and best practices for teaching about race and racism in the classroom here. The Center for Racial Justice in Education also offers a number of resources, including interviews with experts and recommended books and articles, for talking about race, racism and racialized violence with kids here.