Building Community: A Partnership Opportunity with Facing History & Ourselves

Last spring, Facing History provided resources and professional learning on Navigating Crucial Conversations to all NYC public middle and high schools. We are offering an opportunity for a select number of those schools to receive extensive, deep support from Facing History.

Why Facing History?

Research shows that Facing History students are more empathetic, engaged, and prepared to navigate diverse perspectives. Teachers report fostering more inclusive, student-centered learning environments where students feel safe and empowered to share their voices.

Learn more about our impact: www.facinghistory.org/see-our-impact

Fully Funded Opportunity

Thanks to generous philanthropic support, Facing History will waive all partnership fees for selected schools.

Who Should Apply?

Are you a school leader looking to:

• Foster a sense of belonging for every student and faculty member
• Cultivate academic engagement through relevant, thought-provoking social studies, civics, and ELA curricula?
• Equip your school to navigate difficult conversations with confidence?

If so, apply now to be part of this exciting partnership.

What Selected Schools Will Receive:

Participating NYC public middle and high schools will receive two years of support, including:

1.  Full-Faculty Professional Learning: An in-person workshop each year on topics such as community-building, civil discourse, student-centered classrooms, media literacy, or understanding historical and contemporary biases.
2. School Leader Engagement: An opportunity to join a cohort of school leaders focused on strengthening school culture using Facing History’s approach, which is supported by more than 40 years worth of data research.
3. High-Quality Teaching Resources: Access to Facing History’s core curricula and best-in-class teaching materials to deepen students’ civic agency and engagement.
4. Professional Learning for Educators: Subject-specific workshops for social studies, civics, or ELA educators, along with follow-up support for implementing Facing History resources. CTLE hours available.
5. Full Access to Facing History’s Digital Resources: This includes full publications, classroom materials, webinars, and streaming videos.
6. Invitations to Additional Learning Opportunities: Educators will be invited to attend Facing History’s virtual and in-person professional learning workshops throughout the school year.

School Commitments

To ensure meaningful implementation, selected schools will:

• Form a school “Implementation Team” (Lead Administrator, Humanities or equivalent Department Chair, Key Teacher(s), School Climate and Culture Staff—e.g., RFA liaison, guidance counselor, advisory teacher).
• Host one full-faculty workshop per year or send representatives to a centrally located NYC session.
• Implement one Facing History unit in social studies, civics, or ELA in at least one grade level (starting in 2026-27, though earlier implementation is encouraged).
• Allow implementing social studies, civics, or ELA educators to attend a full-day professional learning workshop in Spring 2026.

Application Process & Timeline

 Apply by: Friday, May 15, 2025

• Rolling review: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Apply early for priority consideration!
• Notification of acceptance: No later than June 1, 2025
• Letter of Agreement: School Leaders will be asked to sign upon acceptance.
• Implementation Planning: A Facing History liaison will meet with the school’s Implementation Team before the end of the 2024-25 school year to plan for 2025-26.

For questions, contact:

Kevin Feinberg, Senior Program Director
Kevin_Feinberg [at] facinghistory.org
646-998-5840 x432

Tara Cox, Director, Principals Program
tara_cox [at] facinghistory.org
646-998-5835 ext. 835

The application for this partnership is now available!