Teachers Supporting Teachers
Educators understand the joys and challenges of teaching like no-one else and have a wealth of knowledge to share. There is always more to learn in order to grow funds of knowledge: both in regards to content and pedagogy.
This is why the HTK has three inter-related goals to support Michigan educators:
1. A searchable website of vetted materials aimed to enable teachers to teach "full and complex" history.
2. Piloting teacher-centered professional learning groups called Communities of Care.
3. Professional development opportunities - both on this website and in person - to support diversifying social studies curriculum and, in so doing, teach the full and complex American history.
How each goal works for and with teachers is discussed in more detail below.
Sharing Resources
Do you have or know of resources that align with the intent of the HTK to "teaching of the full and complex American history across subject areas including the histories of communities of color and other marginalized communities?"
Maybe you have:
- Lesson plans
- Unit plans
- C3 Inquiries
Or perhaps you know of resources that:
- Build teacher and/or student background knowledge
- Teach pedagogical practices (how to teach)
- Support educators in other ways.
If you have resources that meet the goals of this HTK, and want to share, please select here for our submission form.
Please note that suggested resources are vetted by the HTK guidance committee to ensure they support the legislated goals of this project. Upon approval, resources will be uploaded as soon as possible, and the HTK developers will keep educators apprised of the process throughout.
Teacher-Centered Communities of Care
Teaching powerful social studies (National Council for the Social Studies, 2016), including meeting the unique needs of each student, can be a monumental task. Where do you go, who do you talk to when you need or want to discuss ideas, replicate successes, and address challenges?
As part of the History Toolkit, the MDE is piloting a program aimed to build community, care, and empowerment among Michigan's K-12 educators, particularly those who may feel isolated.
If you are interested in learning more, please complete this linked form. A member of the History Toolkit team will follow up with you as soon as possible.
Professional Development
Would you like to learn more about how to implement the HTK in your own classroom?
The HTK team is currently organizing professional development opportunities for educators throughout Michigan intended to support that very question. More details to come!
If you have any questions please email Dr. Hannah Franklin Grisham, HTK Project Lead, at grishamh1@michigan.gov.