In recent years, educators have emphasized the importance of teaching women’s history as a way to address historical silences and confront contemporary challenges to gender equity. Despite being told that “girls can be anything,” students still encounter women appearing as exceptions rather than central figures shaping history and society. In the urgency of this moment, centering women’s stories and movements in the classroom has never been more necessary to help students understand the past, critically engage with the present, and imagine themselves as agents of change.
The Teaching Women’s History Middle School guide empowers middle school readers to see themselves as dream chasers, barrier breakers, and changemakers. The guide’s activities focus on the following line of inquiry: What lessons can be learned from groundbreaking women, both past and present? Teachers can choose one or a combination of titles and strategies from the guide as they ask students to read, write, and reflect on the remarkable role of women in history and today.
The Teaching Women’s History High School guide analyzes the history and status of social justice for women, building awareness around feminism and inspiring students to see themselves as conscious advocates for women’s rights. The activities focus on the following line of inquiry: How far has the women’s movement advanced, and what work remains? Teachers can choose one or a combination of titles and strategies as they ask students to reflect on their roles as changemakers in a social justice landscape requiring their awareness, agency, and advocacy.
Download the free guides for elementary, middle, and high school.
