News - Zinn Education Project

Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism

Scholar Eve L. Ewing spoke about her book, Original Sins: The (Mis)Education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism, an examination of how the U.S. school system helps maintain racial inequality and social hierarchies. This class was part of the Zinn Education Project’s Teach the Black Freedom Struggle online people’s history series.

Five Ways to Teach Truth About the Constitution

It is essential that students know their rights: not just to pass a test, but to protect themselves. We offer FIVE ways to Teach Truth on Constitution Day.

Hundreds of Teachers Sign Up to Teach Truth on Constitution Day

Stories from educators about Teach Truth on Constitution Day.

Climate Crisis Timeline

We offer a new timeline of the climate crisis that traces its roots from European colonial expansion and racial capitalism to present-day fossil fuel industry and government projects that exploit and destroy the Earth in the name of maximum profit. It also emphasizes moments and movements of resistance and activism that inform climate justice work today.

Mary Beth Tinker on Constitution Day

Free speech activist Mary Beth Tinker on the importance of teaching truthfully about the U.S. Constitution.

Teach Truth on Constitution Day

Studying the Constitution is essential — especially now, as constitutional rights are increasingly under attack. We offer activities to teach truthfully about the Constitution on Constitition Day and all year long.

Valencia Abbott: History Teacher of the Year

Our congratulations to Valencia Abbott of Wentworth, North Carolina for her being selected as the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Free Book for Constitution Day Teaching Story

Share a story about your activities on Constitution Day.

Lessons for How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith

The Zinn Education Project has produced a series of lessons and a collection of discussion questions for How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith to help teachers introduce the central role of slavery in U.S. history classes across the country.

How the Word Is Passed: Remembering Slavery and How It Shaped America

Author and educator Clint Smith discussed the new young readers edition of How the Word Is Passed: Remembering Slavery and How It Shaped America, which was adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul. This class was part of the Zinn Education Project’s Teach the Black Freedom Struggle online people’s history series.

Labor History Censored on Labor Day

Lessons, books, articles, films, and upcoming events on labor history.

Why Teach Truth on Constitution Day

A statement from the Zinn Education Project on teaching truthfully about the Constitution.

Ten Ways to Rethink the Constitution

To assist with efforts to teach truthfully — and invite inquiry — about the Constitution, we offer 10 ways to rethink this founding document. The list can be used for discussion, and to critique whitewashed narratives peppered across curricula and public life.

Monuments to Racists

In the face of unabashedly racist policies and practices, here are some resources related to public monuments and historic sites to help students consider why an accurate knowledge of history matters.

Why I Registered

Hundreds of educators register for free each month at the Zinn Education Project to access lessons and other resources. Here’s why.

Concentration Camps in U.S. History

Examples of the U.S. government holding people in concentration camps.

Teaching for Black Lives Study Groups

The Zinn Education Project supports Teaching for Black Lives study groups each year. Apply to host a group.

Defy the Ban on Teaching the Climate Crisis

As the climate crisis accelerates, our Teach Climate Justice resources — free lessons, articles, a climate crisis timeline, and more — are becoming more and more valuable in the classroom.

Breaking the Book Ban: Teachers Receive 15,000 Copies of The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks

15,000 copies of The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, the young readers’ edition of a book by acclaimed historian Jeanne Theoharis, adapted by award-winning YA author Brandy Colbert, have been shipped to teachers requesting copies to pair with their history or language arts curriculum.