Teaching History with Integrity
I’ve been involved with the American Historical Association (AHA) since I was a grad student. I presented at the annual conference in 2022 about innovation and intersections. The work of the AHA is varied and it includes advocacy at the government level to ensure academic freedom in the teaching and study of American history.
The Teaching History with Integrity page has loads of resources regarding divisive concepts legislation, secondary education concerns, and historian testimonials.
How to Discuss with Students
I showed the video above, “Historians Speak,” in my class. It was a great springboard for discussion.
First, I asked them about their experience with history so far. Did they feel represented in their previous history classes?
Then, we talked about environments where they have conversations about topics on which people don’t agree. What happens when controversial issues come up at the family dinner table, for example?
We discussed the importance of learning about perspectives that are not our own. I always tell students to try to find out why people believe what they do, even when they don’t agree on the viewpoint. That’s where empathy comes in.
And, we note how boring history would be if we only saw it through one lens!
Finally, I talk to them about the importance of voting. A lot of students don’t know that there is a State Board of Education that makes decisions about what should be taught in schools and that they can have an influence on education by voting.
