Resource Library
Find compelling classroom resources, learn new teaching methods, meet standards, and make a difference in the lives of your students.
We are grateful to The Hammer Family Foundation for supporting the development of our on-demand learning and teaching resources.
![A group of high school students sit at desks in conversation.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_480/public/2023-10/AdobeStock_254378868.jpg?itok=f6YAphey)
Introducing Our US History Curriculum Collection
Draw from this flexible curriculum collection as you plan any middle or high school US history course. Featuring units, C3-style inquiries, and case studies, the collection will help you explore themes of democracy and freedom with your students throughout the year.
James Baldwin’s Lesson for Teachers in a Time of Turmoil
This 2017 essay by author and former high school teacher Clint Smith draws connections between the role of education in past turbulent historical times and the present political climate.
![Clint Smith speaking at TED@NYC Talent Search](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/2014_ClintSmithatTEDatNYC_FH2173941.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=MZdXt6QJ)
Names and Freedom
Historians Douglas Egerton and Leon Litwack explain the process of freedpeople adopting new surnames.
![A group of African Americans soberly observe Juneteenth in their hats, canes and bonnets in Austin, TX, 1900.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Emancipation_Day_celebration_-_1900-06-19%20%281%29.jpg?h=6ea8326e&itok=2mUmYjCx)
Presidential Reconstruction
Investigate aspects of President Andrew Johnson’s plans for Reconstruction that outlined how to bring former Confederate citizens and states back into the Union.
![A photograph of Andrew Johnson.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/03751u.jpg?h=8c44f663&itok=SOBBoTvF)
Online Civic Participation
Share with students political theorist Danielle Allen's ten questions to ask before choosing to take action online.
![Students typing on laptops](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Cleveland_Classroom_2016_FH221925.jpg?h=6a1033c7&itok=lxqbzZEX)
Ben Railton on the Freeman and Walker Cases
Professor Ben Railton shares the stories of Elizabeth Freeman and Quock Walker, two enslaved people who successfully sued for their freedom in the early years of the American republic.
![Mum Bett, aka Elizabeth Freeman, aged 70. Painted by Susan Ridley Sedgwick, aged 23. Watercolor on ivory, painted circa 1812.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/1812_MumBett_FH294179.jpg?h=cfcb6255&itok=p5-2ckyF)
Danielle Allen on Youth in Democracy
Political philosopher Danielle Allen explains why listening to the voices of young people is essential to the democratic process.
![A student speaks while another listens attentively.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/2019_classroomimage_nametagsremoved_FH2109026.jpeg?h=06ac0d8c&itok=xuOv2CjU)
Danielle Allen on Civic Agency
Political philosopher Danielle Allen discusses the ways of participating in democracy and the role of youth voices in the three-step process all civic agents follow.
![Three students in conversation while sitting at a desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/2017_classroomimage_FH260857.jpg?h=e6cb4de8&itok=kIg4HmU9)
Eric Liu on Citizen Power
Civic entrepreneur Eric Liu discusses how citizens learn to use their power to make positive change.
![Eric Liu speaks from a podium.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/2017_FacingHistory2017-0020_FH252470.jpg?h=790be497&itok=f7iYbv3U)
Sam Fleming and Judith February on a Free Press
Journalists Sam Fleming and Judith February discuss the importance of a free press to democracy.
![A colorful pile of newspapers on a table.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/Newspapers_FH2172372.jpg?h=790be497&itok=AdNK2gcy)
Azar Nafisi on Literature and Democracy
Author Azar Nafisi discusses the essential role of fiction in democratic societies.
![Picture of Azar Nafisi.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/2013_AzarNafisi_FH17626.jpg?h=70ddc350&itok=GW_x0mWX)
Roy Hellenberg and Dylan Wray on Democracy
South African educators Roy Hellenberg and Dylan Wray discuss democracy outside of a western context, connecting it to the idea of ubuntu.
![South Africa flag waving during the sunrise with mist fog.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/South_Africa_flag_sun_iStock-1060045112.jpeg?h=140710cd&itok=hv6bvGp9)