Ideas This Week
Ideas This Week is your hub for updates on all things Facing History—from announcements and featured press to expert interviews, impact stories, and essays on the ideas driving our work.
Teaching about the January 6 Insurrection and its Impact on US Democracy
The January 6 insurrection remains important to understand and discuss, as well as the larger questions it raises about the state of US democracy. A recent poll found that 52% of young people between 18 and 29 believe that either US democracy is "in trouble" or "failed," while only 7% agree that it is "healthy," further highlighting the need to teach students about democratic institutions.
![Black and white photo of the US State House](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/b%26w_photo_us_state_house.png?h=a6c55029&itok=OVK2Jup-)
Freedom Dreaming and the Struggle for Equality after Emancipation
We consider how the Emancipation Proclamation opened up the chance for freedpeople to finally determine their own lives and what that looked like.
![Graphic image of reading The Emancipation Proclamation](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-12/3a08642r.jpg?h=aaf45653&itok=St9QJ6ma)
Year-In-Review: Popular Resources for Teaching Current Events
Current Events are ever-present. These are Facing History resources teachers used most in 2023 to help their students process and understand the news.
![Group of students studying in the library](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-12/Group_of_Students_Studying_in_the_Library.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=Ap7Yu4uf)
Top Five Social Studies Resources for Teachers
Start 2024 with Facing History’s most compelling social studies material. This year’s most popular content spans a variety of history topics.
![Photograph of a conference room](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/IMG_5796.jpg?h=d08f423e&itok=hM7AlRRG)
Hope Will Never Be Silent
How do we remain hopeful in the face of overwhelming sorrow and anger? Use these strategies to help you and your students stay engaged.
!["Don't Give Up" yard sign](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-11/rosie-kerr-Gz0PxBYPfs8-unsplash.jpg?h=85250578&itok=VofhWW3M)
Inclusive Leadership: Lean into Discomfort
Facing History’s President and CEO offers advice for school leaders on how to navigate polarizing moments with students, staff, and the communities you serve.
![Our President and CEO, Desmond K. Blackburn PhD addresses a crowd of educators, alums, students, and supporters in Memphis, TN](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-12/Desmond2.png?h=e9403ca4&itok=txkL8JvY)
The Power of a Single Word: The 75th Anniversary of the Genocide Convention
Seventy-five years after coining the term "genocide," Raphael Lemkin's voice continues to echo in the consciousness and responses of global citizens.
![Raphael Lemkin's United Nations ID card](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-12/aa-p154-b01-f012-004-002.jpg?h=b64789bb&itok=TMt7Snq5)
Bringing the Nanjing Atrocities into Your Study of World War II
Use Facing History’s collection of resources about the Nanjing Atrocities to expand students' understanding of the scope and impact of World War II across the globe.
![Person holds The Nanjing Atrocities Crimes of War book](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-12/FH28072_Original.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=CQ5h9Y1C)
Top Five ELA Resources for Teachers
Discover our most popular ELA resources of the year and get inspired as you plan for 2024.
![Shallow focus photography of books](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-12/kimberly-farmer-lUaaKCUANVI-unsplash.jpg?h=d5d02efb&itok=rnFA9ZuO)
Who are we without our values?
The values that lead Facing History extend beyond the classroom. Our entire community are participants in the work we do.
![A series of artistic metal stick figures holding hands in a circle](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-12/We_are_all_connected.png?h=56d0ca2e&itok=l5vy28nV)
Shine A Light: Standing Together against Antisemitism
Facing History partners with Shine A Light to combat antisemitism, and explore how antisemitism shows up in classrooms, communities, and digital spaces.
![Graphic reads "SHINE A LIGHT on Antisemitism"](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-11/ITW_ShinaeALight.png?h=e9403ca4&itok=TSBNov_C)