GAPS Libraries Resource Update

May 9, 2025

PBS Learning Media: Asian Americans Collection

Over thirty lesson plans based on the Asian American PBS series, including age-appropriate materials for elementary students on topics like immigration, civil rights, and cultural contributions.

AAPI History Hub

Jewish American Heritage Month Educator Resources

Access lesson plans, teaching ideas, reading lists, and downloadable posters with companion resources featuring notable Jewish Americans. Use the filters to find lesson plans and professional learning opportunities that most closely meet your needs.

More resources from the Anti-Defamation League and the Library of Congress

iCivics Youth Fellowship

iCivics offers a 10-month (August-May) paid fellowship program for U.S. high school students. The students take part in civic and media workshops, learn how to articulate and share youth perspectives on civic education, and showcase their own civic learning experiences. Students who join the program should expect a commitment of 5–10 hours a month. Students who complete all program requirements and adhere to the student code of conduct will receive a stipend at the end of the program. More information and application available here.

STEM-CTE Educator Lending Library

As a patron of the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub Educator Lending Library, you get access for two weeks to over 70 unique STEAM learning kits! The STEAM kits are dropped off and picked up at your school via courier, and new kits are being added all the time! More information can be found here.

Decimals and Donuts: Hands-On Math Professional Development

At the second Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub Decimals and Donuts event, STEM educators will have the opportunity to engage with loanable STEAM classroom kits, network with other regional educators, and get inspired through hands-on resource exploration. This is a relaxed, low-key event that is participant-led; STEM education support experts will be on-site to answer questions. Participants will receive a certificate of participation, a $50 VISA gift card, and a wealth of snacks to enjoy while learning in community. Event takes place Saturday, 5/24, 11 am to 1 pm; please RSVP by May 21, 2025.

Doechii's "Anxiety" became a TikTok trend, so she made it into a mental health resource hub

Inspired by her own personal journey, Doechii presents Anxiety Is Watching Me, a resource hub for people navigating anxiety. Doechii is using her platform to provide resources that can help students find guidance and tools to support their mental health.

Listen to Anxiety by Doecchii

5th annual Smithsonian National Education Summit

Registration is now open for the 2025 Smithsonian National Education Summit (July 15–17, 2025). Offered both virtually and in person in Washington, D.C., this free multi‑day event will unite leading voices in education under the theme Together We Thrive: One Nation, Indivisible. Four session tracks will equip you with classroom‑ready ideas as we prepare for the United States’ Semiquincentennial in 2026. Reserve your spot today!

Apply to join the 2025 Social Science Instructional Materials Evaluation Committee

The Oregon Department of Education invites applications for the 2025 Social Science Instructional Materials Evaluation Committee. We are seeking passionate K-12 teachers, curriculum specialists, and education professionals with Social Science expertise to help shape Oregon's educational future. As a committee member, you will evaluate and recommend high-quality instructional materials for adoption by the Oregon State Board of Education. This valuable professional development opportunity takes place during the summer of 2025 and includes an honorarium ranging from $900-$1,990, depending on committee assignment. More details are available in the application form.

First Amendment Poster

UnidosUs: Lessons for Latino History

UnidosUs resources, created in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, provide teachers with 15 full lesson plans on the contributions of Latinos to U.S. History.

How the U.S. Has Treated Wartime Refugees

What obligation does the United States have toward people who are uprooted by war? This video asks what obligation countries have to refugees. It’s a question as important today as it was in 1975, when the United States evacuated 130,000 South Vietnamese allies during the fall of Saigon and brought them to this country to start new lives. But some Vietnamese refugees, like Carolee Tran, faced significant hardship and racism, despite the fact that then-President Ford said the U.S. had a “profound moral obligation” to families like hers. Lesson plan available.