Category: Events

We are delighted to host scholar Jason Stanley in conversation with Rethinking Schools editor Jesse Hagopian for an online class on Monday, May 12.

Here is why: In Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future, Jason Stanley exposes the ways authoritarian regimes manipulate historical narratives to maintain power.

Stanley demonstrates how attacks on education and historical memory support authoritarianism, undermining public understanding of past struggles for justice.

By showing how history is weaponized to advance political agendas, Stanley underscores the importance of preserving historical truth as a safeguard against authoritarian rule.

Stanley doesn’t just diagnose the problem — he also offers strategies to resist these attacks, from advocating for historical literacy to supporting educators under fire. As one of those resistance strategies, he points to the role of teachers using people’s history lessons from the Zinn Education Project.

This class is in preparation for the 5th annual Teach Truth Day of Action.

May 12, 4pm (PT)/7pm (ET), virtual

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Teaching Activity. By Ursula Wolfe-Rocca.
In this lesson, students analyze who is to blame for the illegal, mass deportations of Mexican Americans and immigrants during the Great Depression.

Time Periods: 1920

Themes: Immigration, Labor, Latinx, Laws & Citizen Rights, Racism & Racial IdentityShare

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Watch 18+ award winning films for Earth day and beyond!

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Join the Teach Climate Network and presenter Tessa Anttila on Wednesday, April 16th from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CT for our final workshop of the season, which will focus on expanding emotional capacity to combat the climate crisis.

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The Teach Climate Network’s three-day climate change education conference is built by educators and climate change professionals from across North America! We are planning the 2025 Summer Institute now. Please contact education@climategen.org if you have questions.

Are you seeking a space to reflect, recharge, and connect with a diverse network of educators? Join us for the 20th annual Teach Climate Network Summer Institute, happening over three days from July 14th – 17th! This event offers the chance to select from 30+ workshops and connect with local and national leaders in climate change education; leaving you feeling inspired, connected, and ready to teach climate action with your students and communities.

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With more schools and public spaces named for journalist and anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells, it is time for students to learn about the courage and vitality of this radical activist.

They also need to be ready to resist any efforts under this administration to remove Wells’ name from public spaces and curriculum.

High school teacher Matt Reed offers a lesson to introduce students to the life and work of Wells.

Read about the lesson and download it for free at Rethinking Schools.

Lesson

Join the Teach Climate Network and presenter Luke Gliddon on Wednesday, March 19th from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CT for a workshop about climate optimism and brighter possible futures.

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On Monday, March 24, 2025, historian Jeanne Theoharis and Rethinking Schools editor Jesse Hagopian will discuss Theoharis’s book, King of the North: Martin Luther King’s Freedom Struggle Outside of the South.

Jeanne Theoharis is a distinguished professor at Brooklyn College. She is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles on the Civil Rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education. Her books include the award-winning titles The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks and A More Beautiful and Terrible History: The Uses and Misuses of Civil Rights History. Theoharis co-founded the Teach the Black Freedom Struggle class series with the Zinn Education Project and invited our staff to collaborate on a teaching guide for The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks book and film.

ASL interpretation provided.

Professional development credit certificate provided upon request for attendees.

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March 6, 2025

11AM -12PM PST

Join us for an inspiring evening at the SIMA Short Film Screening, where the power of storytelling meets the global call for sustainable development. This unique event showcases a curated selection of short films that bring the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life. These thought-provoking films explore key issues such as climate action, gender equality, poverty alleviation, and clean water access, illustrating how communities around the world are tackling the challenges of today to create a better tomorrow.

Immerse yourself in powerful narratives that highlight the impact of social, environmental, and economic changes, and see how filmmakers are using their craft to inspire action, raise awareness, and drive positive change. Whether you’re an advocate for sustainability, a lover of cinema, or simply curious about how films can ignite social transformation, this screening is for you.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness how film can bring the SDGs to life in a way that’s compelling, impactful, and unforgettable!

Films line-up:
1. Words of a Changemaker
This film features inspiring stories from individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and the world. Through their narratives, viewers gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of changemakers dedicated to creating positive social impact.

2. Detroit Hives
Detroit Hives explores the transformation of vacant lots in Detroit into thriving urban bee farms. This initiative not only revitalizes the community but also promotes environmental sustainability and education, highlighting the intersection of urban agriculture and social entrepreneurship.

3. Cross World:
Cross World delves into the lives of individuals who bridge cultural divides through innovative projects and collaborations. The film showcases how these efforts foster understanding, unity, and progress across diverse communities, emphasizing the power of cross-cultural exchange in addressing global challenges.

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The American Agitators world premiere will be on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California. This is particularly symbolic because this is where Fred Ross, Sr. held his first house meeting at the home of Cesar and Helen Chavez in the East San Jose barrio of “Sal Si Puedes.”  Please join us at 6:45 pm on March 16th for the world premiere. Tickets can be purchased here.  As legendary organizer Dolores Huerta, who is featured in the film, recently said: “Bringing Fred’s life to the screen is the medicine our society needs right now. He empowered people to be engaged in the democratic process.”

Purchase a Ticket to the World Premiere!