Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1518807
I N H I S R E C E N T proclamation on Arab American Heritage Month, in April, President Biden noted that America is the only nation in the world founded on an idea: that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. Edu- cators can help counter the division, hatred and violence that keep us apart by teaching students and others about different peoples and cultures. Americans whose heritage connects to one or more of the 22 Arab countries have a rich history in the United States dating back to 1527 when, according to the U.S. Department of State, the first people from Morocco and Lebanon immigrated to this country. Arab Americans are thought to number close to four million people in the U.S. today. The Arab America Foundation offers an Educator 's Curriculum Kit, which highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and tradi- tions, issues affecting the community, and Arab Americans' many achievements in business, politics, education and more. Find it at arabamericafoundation.org. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, in May, recognizes the 22.2 million Asians and 1.6 million Native Hawai- ian and other Pacific Islander communities in the United States. As with the Arab American and many other populations, AAPIs in the U.S. are a hugely diverse group. The Smithsonian's Asian Pacific Center has a Teacher 's Guide — a collection of lessons and resources for K–12 social studies, literature and arts classrooms that center around the experiences, achievements and perspectives of AAPIs across U.S. history. Find the link at asianpacificheritage.gov/for-teachers.html. Jewish American Heritage Month is celebrated in May. Students can learn about important contributions Jewish Americans have made to America since the first group of Jews arrived in New Amsterdam in 1654. Today, approximately 7.6 million Jewish Americans make up roughly 2.4% of the U.S. population. Educators can use the Library of Congress' primary resources, ready- to-use lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids in the classroom. Visit jewishheritagemonth.gov/for-teachers.html. NEA Aspiring Educators Conference The purpose of the Aspiring Educators Conference is to offer future educators the opportunity to connect with their colleagues, learn about their profession, and take action on important education issues affecting public schools and communities. The conference welcomes NEA members and leaders, regardless of experience level, membership type, or educator category. Attendees will come together in Philadelphia, PA, June 28–July 2. (As of press time, the dates were not confirmed.) Learn more and register at nea.org/events. Artwork courtesy Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya; from a campaign by the artist, Asian Women's Shelter and Bay Area Rapid Transit. Heritage Months: Celebrating Rich, Diverse Cultures and Contributions 12 cta.org In the Know