History and social studies educators often face the challenge of how to engage in the study of difficult histories with students. Although best practice in the field of Holocaust studies maintains that primary sources should be a central component of any study of the Holocaust, research demonstrates that most high school history and social studies teachers feel unprepared to teach the subject both in regards to historical content, and curation of primary sources.  This webinar will lead participants through a research based discussion on the challenges and benefits of teaching about the…

Season 2 begins January 14. "In 1837, a diminutive, neglected teenager is crowned Queen Victoria, navigates the scandal, corruption, and political intrigues of the Court, and soon rises to become the most powerful woman in the world. Victoria stars Jenna Coleman (also played Doctor Who) as Queen Victoria in a highly anticipated series that follows the drama of the candid, spirited monarch who was perhaps the first woman to seem to have it all." Read more at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/shows/victoria/

This July, the presidents of the United States and of France are in Paris, together honoring the Americans who served in “The Great War,” which today we call World War I. A Bastille Day parade features the branches of the U.S. Military. “Every American can play a role and honor these World War I heroes. We invite you to visit ww1cc.org/Memorial for information on how to get involved with the efforts of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission,” said Chris Isleib, Director of Public Affairs.   Here are some related resources from NCSS. Read this free article, which includes classroom…

In 1926, America celebrated the 150th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. To mark the occasion, citizens of Poland – more than 5.5 million of them – signed a unique birthday card, "The Polish Declarations of Admiration and Friendship." Now, all 111 volumes containing more than 30,000 pages – many beautifully illustrated or accompanied by photographs – are digitized and accessible on the Library of Congress website. The Class of 1926 digitization project, initiated by the Polish Library in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Library of Congress and with support from the…

Film maker Obaidah Zytoon captures the fate of Syria through the intimate lens of a circle of friends. Beginning with peaceful Arab Spring protests in 2011, take a four-year, ground-level look at how the country spiraled into bloody civil war. A Point of View (POV) documentary production. Read about it at http://www.pbs.org/pov/thewarshow. (Repeats on July 5)

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is now accepting applications for its second annual Summer Teacher Institute. The 2017 institute will be led by renowned WWII scholar and New York Times bestselling author Donald L. Miller. It will focus on the European Theater of Operations during the war. The institute takes place in three phases, starting with an intensive week-long seminar in New Orleans (July 16-22, 2017), utilizing the vast resources of the Museum, including the expertise of educators, curators, and historians, to explore strategies for teaching about the war in Europe.…

Your students can explore models of ethical leadership, moral courage and humanitarian conduct by competing for the Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize. U.S. high school and college/university students, including exchange students, can enter this essay contest and win scholarship awards. * High School Student Awards (1st Place = $1,000; 2nd Place = $500) * College/University Student Awards (1st Place = $1,500; 2nd Place = $1,000) Why participate? “This global education initiative features important history with lessons for today. Learn about the Middle East and Islamic culture through the…

National History Day is now accepting applications for the 2017 Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom Albert H. Small Student and Teacher Institute. This highly competitive program accepts only 15 student-and-teacher pairs for an immersive experience of learning both in Washington, D.C. and on the beaches of Normandy, France. Funded through a generous donation from Mr. Albert H. Small, the institute covers nearly all expenses for accepted students and teachers including travel, visits to historic sites, and lodging in both Europe and Washington, D.C.  The Normandy Institute teaches students about…

Immigration from Central America and the President's family separation policies are front and center in today's headlines, but the historical roots of migration to the United States are too often unknown or unexplored.Teaching for Change developed a series of four lessons with the country of El Salvador as a case study to provide important historical context for contemporary immigration issues.  The lessons were developed for use in conjunction with the website When We Were Young There Was a War. Students learn about and discuss: What factors were responsible for the waves of migration from…

Join NOVA to defrost the ultimate time capsule—5,000-year-old Otzi, the mummified corpse pulled from a glacier in the Alps. Through an autopsy like none other, scientists will attempt to unravel the details of his death and an entire way of life. Learn more at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/iceman-murder-mystery.html