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Coordinated by Rethinking Schools and Teaching for Change
Teach Truth on Constitution Day
Five Ways to Take Action
Today, powerful figures wield the Constitution — and undermine it — in ways that cause profound harm. It is essential that students know their rights, not just to pass a test but to protect themselves. They should learn that throughout U.S. history, people have fought to expand the rights the Constitution promises and demand rights it omits.
Schools that receive federal funding are required to teach about the Constitution on Constitution Day, September 17. So, let’s do that. Let’s engage young people in an active study of the Constitution on this 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.Last year, nearly 600 teachers signed up for Teach Truth on Constitution Day. Read some of their stories.
We offer FIVE ways to Teach Truth on Constitution Day.
ONE. Teach honestly about the Constitution.Why it is worded as it is, how it has been amended, and what it allows but also denies to the public. Use any of these free lessons for middle and high school:
TWO. Make sure students know their rights under the Constitution.
These include the right to remain silent, the right to read and the choice of what to read, freedom of speech, and equal protection of the law — which applies to everyone, documented or not.
THREE. Engage community members in discussion about the Constitution. Download and post the Ten Ways to Rethink the Constitution gallery walk in a public space and invite participants to share insights and reflections.
FOUR. Read books about the amendments. Focus on stories about how people organized for their rights. On our Teach Truth on Constitution Daypageand at Teaching for Change’s Social Justice Books, we feature titles for readers from elementary school through adulthood, along with podcasts and student-friendly short films.
FIVE.Share information. Encourage everyone to check out the resources and sign up. Post social media graphics about Teach Truth on Constitution Day. Use the hashtag #TeachTruth. Consider adding a note in your own words about why it matters.
SIGN UP.No matter what you do, sign up so the map reflects that educators and community members in every state are committed to teaching truthfully about the Constitution.
You can engage in one or more of the activities above, or plan your own. Read stories teachers have shared. We’ll send you updates and more resources.
On Thursday, October 8, as part of our call-to-action to teach about voting rights and the Constitution this fall, we’re hosting a “Who Gets to Vote?” curriculum workshop. This event introduces educators to a voting rights mixer role play that includes people with firsthand experience having their voting rights granted or denied.
Participants will have an opportunity to meet social justice educators from across the country to discuss ways to address this topic in their own teaching. Learn more and register.
On Thursday, September 24, join Show Up, Speak Up: Vote for the Freedom to Read, a virtual variety show with freedom to read champions celebrating books, authors, and readers. This collective call to action was created by a coalition of grassroots organizations from across the country, including the Zinn Education Project. Learn more and register.
On Saturday, September 26, join the 10th annual Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) Teach-In at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Keynote speaker Dr. Gabrielle Tayac (Piscataway) will discuss her work centering Native history, identity, and contemporary Indigenous experiences.
Through interactive workshops, educators will explore K–12 lessons centering Native voices and histories and learn how to bring the museum’s exhibitions and resources into their teaching.Learn more and register.
TheTeach the Black Freedom Struggleonline series combines live access to leading people’s historians, structured reflection in small groups, and an ongoing national community committed to truth and historical justice.
Join educators, students, and community members committed to teaching truth and building a more just world. ASL interpretation and professional development certificates provided. Learn more and register.
On Saturday, October 17th, attend the 19th Annual Northwest Teaching for Social Justice Conference — co-sponsored by Rethinking Schools — at Lindbergh High School in Renton, Washington (near Seattle).
Workshop leaders include Rethinking Schools editors Wayne Au, Linda Christensen, Grace Cornell Gonzales, and Ursula Wolfe-Rocca, and Prentiss Charney Fellows Julia Kirkpatrick and Suzanna Kassouf. Learn more and register.
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