United We Stand...

Dear Educators,

Our annual celebration of independence has come and gone amidst all the craziness of 2020. The tensions and stress in our country today are some of the highest we’ve experienced since our founding. It’s a good time for us to remember that we are united as a nation, and we need to take care of one another now more than ever. Especially those of us who are most vulnerable. Making a country that works for every citizen has been a value since the time of the Founding Fathers—and that fight continues today. The resources this week are a celebration of America and our American-ness!

United States Interactive Census Map

Where are we? Who are we? This map uses census data to display population density and predominant race throughout America. This interactive map allows you to explore the country and get a sense of the diversity that exists throughout our country.

What has been the impact on our culture and society of the Declaration of Independence? What inspired the declaration? Rebellion against violating the right of every human to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness has long been the catalyst for America upholding that ideal with more integrity. This video explains the document that first stated that right.

While America was founded on the statement of equal rights and opportunity for all, we aren’t alone in our quest for equality. This article talks about the global declaration of human rights in 1948 and which countries have played a role in it.

It is human nature to connect to groups. We survive better together. Typically, our most influential group identity is our family—they are the people we feel most connected to. But we also feel belonging to our neighborhoods, cities, state, and country. This article talks about the importance of fulfilling this human need for belonging. As teachers, what can we do to create that sense of belonging for all our students? The answers are especially important in the world of distance learning, when we can’t be bonded by physical closeness alone.