Why Facing History | Facing History & Ourselves
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Why Facing History

We deepen students' understanding of how their choices and actions shape a better, more equitable future.

We have many collections, lessons, and other classroom resources that connect history and today.

Explore our Resource Library
People make choices.
Choices make history.

Choosing to Participate

Young people have the power to affect meaningful change in their classrooms, communities, and the world. Learn how Facing History can help you inspire students to stand up for what they believe in and choose to participate.

From Reflection to Action

Hear three inspiring stories from Facing History upstanders about how choosing to participate had a positive impact on their communities.

Kobi J. at podium.
Student Reagan Miller in classroom.
Khamilla Johnson in classroom.

Kobi J., California

Raegan M., New York

Khamilla J., Tennessee

[My Facing History class] inspired me to learn how hidden histories and other injustices affect our lives today.
— Deztinee G., Facing History Student, Chicago, IL

Ready to go from reflection to action?

Get the Choosing to Participate Toolkit
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Explore Democracy & Freedom in US History

Integrate themes of democracy and freedom throughout your US history course with our US History Curriculum Collection. Designed to be flexible, you can adapt this set of units, lesson plans, and C3 inquiries to fit your curriculum.

Get the Curriculum Collection

Transforming Schools

Facing History provides personalized resources and support to districts and schools to improve opportunities for all students, improve school culture, and develop new teaching practices. And it works.

  • Icon of a school building surrounded by dots representing a community.
    95% of students at Facing History partner schools have observed ways in which Facing History has positively impacted their school.
  • Orange and black icon of two hands outreached.
    83% of teachers in Facing History partner schools agreed that most students in their school treat adults with respect.
  • Teal and aqua icon of a teacher guiding students through a classroom activity.
    Two randomized controlled trials show that Facing History interventions in middle and high schools lead to the development of safer and more engaging learning environments.