Why Teach Reconstruction Today?
Studying the history of Reconstruction reveals that American history is lined with recurring cycles of social progress and backlash in which everyday people have surmounted immense barriers to drive powerful change.
![Man representing the Freedman's Bureau stands between armed groups of Euro-Americans and Afro-Americans.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/Freedman_bureau_harpers_cartoon_FH21213.jpg?h=83f3d97f&itok=jf0SD3Wz)
January 6th
The January 6th investigation has deepened widespread concerns about rising threats of fascism, racism, white nationalism, and other phenomena that undermine justice for all. But in analyses that focus primarily on the role of white nationalism fomented within media echo chambers, for example, commentators have overlooked what may be a more pervasive parallel phenomenon: the widespread crisis of faith in U.S. media and institutions at large.
![Photo of Two People Watching the News on TV](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/two_people_watch_news_tv.jpeg?h=140710cd&itok=9u-6fk5n)
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-)
A New Type of Media Literacy
Learn about the risks new technologies pose to adults and adolescents and view resources available to help teach teenage students about media literacy, responsible use of social media, and surveillance capitalism.
![A person views a piece of news media on their phone.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/SocialMediaLiteracyHero.jpg?h=8e4088dc&itok=6GlBMRJf)
Holocaust Education Amid Rising Antisemitism: An Interview with Leslie White
Following an antisemetic incident involving high school students, educator Leslie White shared lessons from the Holocaust and helped turn a terrible decision into an opportunity for activism and personal growth.
![Black and white image of Auschwitz Birkenau Gate.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/Auschwitz_Birkenau_Gate_FH2185326.jpg?h=2e5cdddf&itok=GJ20H_H6)
Responding to Antisemitism in the Classroom
Use these tools to help students understand the impact of antisemitism and stand up against hate.
![Picture of Star Of David.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/Star%20Gate.png?h=27090159&itok=C9iceYGb)
March Assemblies
Download our assembly PowerPoints for the month of March for use with Key Stage 3 and 4 students.
![Picture of a student writing in class.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-02/DSC04219.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=MuRq53iV)
Introducing Ideas This Week
Welcome! We've created a list to help you explore the best of what we have to offer. It covers topics including educator competencies, classroom resources, inspiring stories, and more.
![Picture of teacher in classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-03/2019_UK_Classroom_FH2177573.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Zs3pE68x)
Turning Point: the Anniversary of Kristallnacht and Why We Remember
Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) is a violent moment in history that demonstrates the consequences of both targeted hate and passivity from bystanders.
![Picture of Jewish Merchants Remove Traces Of The Pogrom Of The Night (Kristallnacht).](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-11/Le_Me%CC%81morial_aux_juifs_assassine%CC%81s_dEurope_%28Berlin%29_%282704805986%29.jpg?h=7627bb82&itok=2XwC0-22)
Why We Remember Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) (UK)
Kristallnacht is a stark reminder of the violence that can occur when antisemitism is left unchallenged.
![Torn apart shelves and damage in the department store Uhlfelder in Munich during Kristallnacht.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-12/Bundesarchiv_Bild_119-2671-07%2C_Mu%CC%88nchen%2C_Kaufhaus_Uhlfelder%2C_Zersto%CC%88rungen.jpg?h=0429cc9e&itok=x4NOC_DW)
One Teacher Speaks to the Power of Our Current Events Collection
Current events come along fast—Facing History gives educators what they need when they need it to reflect on world events with care.
![Image of antimated teacher asking "How will I address this with students tomorrow?""](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/BridgetRileyInterview_Frame2_0.png?h=ba6fe428&itok=ONEmOR2i)