Staff Resources for National Hispanic Heritage Month

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is proud to welcome a diverse student population from over 120 countries that speak 121 different languages. As educators in a diverse environment, it is important for all students to feel represented inside of the classroom. By embedding pieces of a student's history in their curriculum throughout the school year, students can expand their knowledge of their rich history, possible reasons for migration and the contributions of their ancestors. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, ACPS is highlighting a few resources that teachers can share with their students throughout the school year.

Teaching Central America is an organization founded to encourage K-12 student learning of Central America. This is a streamlined source for strengthening classroom curriculum with culturally relevant and sustaining resources as well as the history of Central American countries. Teach Central America offers lesson plans, videos, books and more.

One of the featured films that Teaching Central America offers includes “Harvest of Empire: The Untold Story of Latinos in America.” This 90-minute film focuses on the background and reasoning behind immigration to the U.S.

With its announcement of a new museum in 2020, The Smithsonian’s American Latino Museum has plans to establish a physical depository in Washington, D.C. During the interim, the museum has assembled several online resources to include virtual exhibits, upcoming events and additional learning tools.

ACPS Director of Equity and Alternative Programs Kennetra Woods has shared the following resources with staff for teaching about Central American and South American cultures:

• Learn the ways that colleagues spotlighted Central American countries while teaching their curricula, or take the quiz to test your knowledge of Central America.
• Participate with colleagues nationwide in the fourth annual Teach Central America Week (Oct. 3 - 9, 2022).
• Explore Equity in ACPS. This page features links to lesson plans, videos, articles and more for students of all ages to learn more about Central American and South American cultures.