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.
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.
Excerpts from the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment
This reading contains excerpts from the Emanicipation Proclimation and the Thirteenth Amendment.
Petition from the Colored Washerwomen
In 1866, Black women laundry workers in Jackson, Mississippi, joined together to protest low wages.
We Need a New American Founding
Scholar Eddie S. Glaude draws from the history of Reconstruction and the the Civil Rights movement to call for a “new American founding.” This reading is available in Spanish.
Ferguson Social Media Posts
A selection of tweets from citizens and news reports in response about the events in Ferguson, Missouri.
Looking at Citizenship through a Literary Lens
This article by Laura Tavares explains how teaching novels can develop empathy, humility, and tolerance.
An Indian’s Looking Glass for the White Man, 1833 (abridged)
This abridged primary source is from Native American (Pequot) minister William Apess, an advocate for racial equality and the rights of Native Americans.
Quote from Titus Kaphar
Artist Titus Kaphar reflects on creating art that wrestles with the complexities of history in this excerpt from his TED Talk.
Climate Change and Levers of Power
Use excerpts on climate activism to help students reflect on the “levers of power” people are using to take action against climate change.
Profiles of Two Perpetrators of the Capitol Insurrection
Examine the choices of two people who illegally entered the Capitol building during the January 6 insurrection.
Quote from Sophia Rosenfeld
Historian Sophia Rosenfeld reflects on the relationship between truth and trust among members of a democracy.
Petition for Freedom to the Massachusetts Legislature, 1777 (Adapted Version)
Adapted for English Learners and readers who benefit from scaffolding, this informational text introduces students to analyze a primary source written by a group of Black abolitionists in Massachusetts. It includes simplified text, definitions, and reflection questions.