GAPS Libraries Resource Update

Teachers, Try This: A Method for Navigating Political Debates in Social Studies

Emily Glankler, a Texas educator with a popular TikTok account, teaches the general public the history she feels they need to know. She uses that same insight to inform what and how she teaches U.S. History to her high school students.

Here, she shares what that looks like, and how she navigates some of the divisive issues that make their way into her social studies class amid the current political climate.

Free Music Resources for the Classroom

Browse the Lesson Plans below to find a world of curricular experiences from Smithsonian Folkways’ Network of Music Educators. All lessons can be downloaded in PDF format.

Oregon Council of Teachers of English Classroom Grants

OCTE offers grants (annually) to assist teachers in the classroom. Grants of $150 - $300 are available to develop curriculum, purchase materials, or for other uses that enhance instruction in language arts/literacy, with a focus on social justice.

Submit grant application online before September 30: OCTE Classroom Grants

Northwest Teaching for Social Justice Conference

Registration is now open for the 18th annual NWTSJ conference.

When: Saturday, October 18
Where: Parkrose High School, Portland, Oregon
The cost is still just $40, which includes lunch — $10 for students

Join NTSJC for this annual gathering of conversation, idea-sharing, community, and inspiration, as well as a Community Resource Fair! Register here.

Well Versed: Animated Music Videos About Civics For Kids

It takes three branches to share the work of the U.S. government, each with its own important job. Teach students about the branches of government with this music video in which Carla explains their roles to Max, using the players, referees, and coaches to illustrate the checks and balances.

Check out these resources for MORE videos, discussion questions, activity ideas, and a lyrics sheet.

Latinx Studies: Library of Congress Resources

The Latinx Studies Research Guide highlights resources that are part of the Library of Congress collections related to the history, cultures, literature, politics, experiences, and performing arts of the Latinx community in the United States. In this guide you will find links to primary sources through a curated list of collections organized by format, electronic databases to locate journals and scholarly articles, and a bibliography with links to search the Library of Congress Online Catalog.

Sign up for more Retro Report resources

We Do Declare: Women’s Voices on Independence

In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum is exploring how generations of diverse women have experienced a key concept in American history: independence. Through a multi-faceted oral history project focused on the last 50 years, We Do Declare: Women’s Voices on Independence will explore when, how, and why women have sought to increase their economic independence.

Using Oral Histories as Tools for Financial Education

At the 2025 Smithsonian National Education Summit, a panel explored the question: “How can oral histories help students understand the importance of financial literacy?” and empowered educators to find ways to bring financial literacy into their classroom. Find the sample lesson plan and read more here.

Current Events in the Classroom

Sign up for the Current Events newsletter from the Civics Learning Project to spark student interest, foster civil dialogue, and connect today's issues to the responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy.

Find more Current Events Resources here.

Request Pocket Constitutions

Free classroom sets of Pocket Constitutions are available from the Bill of Rights Institute on a rolling basis depending on stock, and are provided on a first-come, first-served basis based. Please note that BRI cannot guarantee fulfillment of every request. Educators will be notified via email if and their order can be fulfilled. Pocket Constitutions are available for purchase here.

Physical Education Instructional Materials Criteria Development Committee

The Oregon Department of Education is accepting applications for the 2025 Physical Education (PE) Instructional Materials Criteria Development Committee. Members will review and provide input on the draft K–12 PE instructional materials adoption criteria. These criteria will guide the review of PE instructional materials to ensure alignment with the 2025 Oregon Physical Education Standards. Final criteria will be presented to the Oregon State Board of Education for approval.