Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month: May 2025
Honoring Contributions and Resilience
May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation's culture, history, and society. Established by Presidential proclamation in 2006, this commemorative month recognizes the more than 350-year history of Jewish Americans who have enriched every aspect of American life—from science and arts to law, politics, business, and social justice.
As educators, this month provides an excellent opportunity to explore Jewish American contributions, experiences, and histories with students. Below are valuable resources for both elementary and secondary educators:
Resources for K-5 Educators:
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ADL Education Resources- Find K-12 educational and family resources, including children's literature guides, lessons on Jewish history and culture, and materials addressing antisemitism.
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OJMCHE Lessons-The digital learning activities from the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education are accompanied by a suitcase of physical artifacts. These resources provide a conceptual understanding of Oregon history, Jewish religion and culture, and life as a new immigrant.
Resources for 6-12 Educators:
Teaching Jewish American history and heritage throughout the year, not just during May, builds cultural understanding and helps create a more inclusive learning environment.
Please contact Rachel Nelson at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland for additional information and resources celebrating Jewish American History Month.
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Celebrating AAPI/APIDA Heritage Month: May 2025
"A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience"
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month (also acknowledged as Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA), a time to honor the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and significant contributions of AAPI communities throughout the United States. The 2025 theme, "A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience," celebrates the enduring spirit of AAPI leaders who have established a foundation for future generations to thrive amid change and adversity.
As educators, this month provides an excellent opportunity to incorporate AAPI perspectives, histories, and cultural contributions into your curriculum. Below are valuable resources for both elementary and secondary educators:
Resources for K-5 Educators:
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AAPI History Hub -A comprehensive collection of K-12 resources, including lesson plans, books, and films, ready to integrate into your teaching.
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Japanese American National Museum - Free education resources including lesson plans on Japanese internment, origami videos, and activities encouraging critical reflection on neighborhoods and communities.
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PBS Learning Media: Asian Americans Collection - Over thirty lesson plans based on the Asian American PBS series, including age-appropriate materials for elementary students on topics like immigration, civil rights, and cultural contributions.
Resources for 6-12 Educators:
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Teach Asian American Stories -Offers frameworks and guides for incorporating Asian American histories into 6-12 Social Studies curriculum with sample resources and texts.
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The Asian American Education Project -Provides thorough lessons and activities about Asian Americans from the 1890s through today, including resources on early Asian Americans and post-9/11 experiences.
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OCA National Center: K-12 Curriculum Project - Led by experts in education, policy, and ethnic studies research, this project develops and vets AANHPI lesson plans and materials to push for nationwide adoption.
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Committee of 100 - Offers five free lesson plans on Chinese American history specially designed for Grades 6-9, examining multi-faceted Chinese American contributions to U.S. society.
Teaching AAPI histories and perspectives throughout the year—not just during heritage months—helps create more inclusive learning environments where all students feel represented and valued.
For more information about local AAPI Heritage Month events and additional educational opportunities, please visit Asian Pacific Heritage
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UnidosUs: Lessons for Latino History
UnidosUs resources, created in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, provide teachers with 15 full lesson plans on the contributions of Latinos to U.S. History.
Learn about the little-known Pecan Sheller's Strike, dive into the Braceros program in the 1930s, or learn about Silvia Mendez and her family as they fought to end segregation by paving the way for Brown V. Board of Education.
The lesson plans provide great resources to help tell the story of Latinos in the United States and bring them to life in your classroom. Download them today .
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Professional Learning Opportunities
Oregon Historical Society
Teaching South Asian Oregon History
Middle and high school educators are invited to learn about the history of Indian immigrants in Oregon. This workshop will feature a presentation from historian Johanna Ogden, author of the book Punjabi Rebels of the Columbia River and attendees will dig into materials and primary sources that can help teach this history, including OHS’s classroom-ready “Oregon’s Anti-Indian Immigrant Riot DBQ.” A $150 stipend and PDUs are available. Learn more and register: Teaching South Asian Oregon History.
Friday, May 23, 2025
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The Belfer Conference
Professional Learning for Holocaust Education
Registration is open for the 2025 Belfer National Conference for Holocaust Education, taking place June 23-25. Attend sessions that demonstrate how to integrate Holocaust history into both ELA and social studies instruction. Learn how to use classroom resources, find inspiration in new ideas, and grow with peers dedicated to teaching about the Holocaust. Register for free here.
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Civics Learning Project
Classroom to Community: Teaching Civics and Native Sovereignty Educator Summit
Join OSU Cascades and Civics Learning Project for a dynamic two-day program designed to bring real-world civics to life in secondary classrooms with topics of Native sovereignty. Experience a local field trip, guest speakers, and model lessons incorporating the new ODE Social Science Standards and SB13 Tribal History/Shared History and Essential Understandings. You'll also have dedicated time to plan how to integrate what you learn into your own curriculum and classroom.
August 5 & 6
9am - 3pm each day
OSU Cascades Bend Campus
FREE to attend. Food and SWAG provided! Graduate units available.
Register by June 2nd. Questions? Email asabbadini@civicslearning.org
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Student Opportunities
Scholarship
The American Lawyers Alliance is awarding the Jurgemeyer Scholarship ($10,000) to a high school senior who has overachieved in law-related activities. Applications must be received by May 31, 2025.
Civic Engagement Opportunities
The Oregon Department of Education is seeking 14-18 year olds to serve on their Youth Advisory Council. Members attend virtual monthly meetings and commit to a one year term. Applications are due by May 9, 2025.
Incoming high school juniors and seniors can apply to be a member of ODE's Ongoing Rules Community Advisory (ORCA) or a student advisory to the State Board of Education (SBE). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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