If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the power a single year could have on the world. The year 1865 is no exception, especially April of 1865. That’s where host Lindsay Graham (who is not the sitting South Carolina Senator) drops us into the storyline, right after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and Vice President Andrew Johnson’s […]
American History
Posted inFeatured
Three Life Lessons for Young Americans on Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s 86th Birthday
Happy 86th Birthday to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg stands at the intersection of American culture because of the power of her journey, the enormity of her achievements, and the undeniably quintessential American character she exudes. However, pop culture often rides the fast lane towards trivialization. She has become, of course, […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
TR’s Birthday Message to America’s Youth: “Get in the Arena of Life” and “Never Expect Things to be Easy”
Happy 160th Birthday to President Theodore Roosevelt. The most famous speech Roosevelt ever delivered is one that should be etched into the mind of every American student. Why? Because his particular brand of wisdom is one that is desperately needed by an American citizenry that often finds itself hopelessly adrift. For young people asking themselves […]
Posted inOpinion
Yes, America: Civic Ignorance & Poisonous Politics Go Hand in Hand
As young Americans start back to school, it is a good time to note that most Americans are largely ignorant—ignorant of their heritage, ignorant of their Constitution, ignorant of what actually “unites” the United States of America. A variety of surveys from the past decade about Americans’ civic knowledge, or lack thereof, acts as a […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Middle School, Social Studies
Teaching About Christopher Columbus and the Truth of History
Once again, Columbus Day has rolled around, and teachers, especially History teachers, have an opportunity to set the record straight. A great article by TER’s Mike Dunn today talks about teaching Columbus and is rich with ideas and resources. I am writing today not about how to teach it but why it is essential that we […]