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 Labor Rights History
Labor movements have a long history. The rights we have today came out of historic demonstrations and protests.
!["We March For Jobs For All Now!" protest sign](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/visuals-OomLbW3j7ig-unsplash.jpg?h=a8856264&itok=1aBcZRcX)
9 of Our Favorite Back-to-School Activities and Resources
Try these classroom activities and resources at the start of the year to build a foundation for learning all year long.
![Students and educator work on an assignment](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/221116-0215.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=R-Z5CpUh)
How Facing History Stirs the Call to Teach: An Alum Interview
Yenny Bautista found her voice and her confidence with the help of Facing History—she also discovered her passion for teaching.
![Yenny Bautista stands at a window corner which overlooks her college campus green.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/Bautista_Yenny_Photo.jpg?h=b6101ac9&itok=_Mb5jRxV)
Student Names: A Key Component to an Inclusive Classroom
Learning how to say students’ names the right way is an important part of the new school year. Ace your first attendance check with these resources.
![Graphic of "YOUR NAME" on typewriter paper](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/Your_name.jpg?h=eda8b49e&itok=UeHTGmNx)
Building Belonging with New Classroom Activities for Back to School
Use our updated Back-to-School Toolkit to help you build community with students and lay the foundation for building a brave, inclusive classroom.
![Rear view of high school students walking into college building together](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/BTS.jpg?h=4168c8c5&itok=anVPMSEO)
Dr. Carol Anderson on Racial Justice and Voting
We are joined by Dr. Carol Anderson to discuss the struggle for voting rights faced by African Americans over the course of United States history.
![Carol Anderson Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-08/Carol_Anderson_Headshot_2018_FH2195205.jpg?h=b69e0e0e&itok=-unOYF3I)
Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom
David Blight’s celebrated biography of Frederick Douglass provides insight into a complicated hero of the 19th century.
![Photograph of Frederick Douglass.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/frederick_douglass_2%20%28FH235%29_0.jpg?h=455cec67&itok=1eZvL_VC)
Centering Queer History and Students in the Classroom: Insights from Eric Marcus
Eric Marcus speaks with Facing History about his experience researching LGBTQIA+ history and how he helps students connect to these stories.
![Students hold a pride flag](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-03/Diverse_Students_With_Pride_Flag_Stock_FH2187533.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=j7XSTcPX)
Reflecting on Juneteenth
Learn about the history and legacy of Juneteenth and how modern awareness of this commemoration has grown and raised the profile of this important holiday.
![Juneteenth Independence Day. Freedom or Emancipation day. Annual American holiday, celebrated on June 19. African American history and heritage. Poster, greeting card, banner and background](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/iStock-1154863383.jpg?h=4f4378cb&itok=CE58MYI_)
Teachers Share How They Are Ending the School Year with Intention
Members of our ELA educator Advisory Board highlight their favorite activities to help end the school year with care and celebration.
![Facing History students standing and talking](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/DSC_0652%20%281%29.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=HsEg8Cmx)
Poetry and Identity
Bringing poetry into the classroom introduces a model for creative expression and self-reflection that can help students find their voice.
![Poetry Graffiti](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-06/Poetry_Graffiti_StockPhoto_FH2190020.jpg?h=1021c639&itok=68mmYNfa)