History in the the News: The Monroe Doctrine and US-Latin American Relations

Current events in Venezuela have drawn attention to longstanding principles of US foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere. Using current events to dive into a moment of history is a responsive practice highlighting the relevance of history in understanding world events. This is a timely opportunity to explore the historical context of the Monroe Doctrine (1823) and the Roosevelt Corollary (1904) with your students. These foundational documents shaped over a century of US diplomatic and military involvement in Latin America and continue to influence contemporary policy discussions. This is an opportunity for students to practice analyzing primary sources, understanding historical continuity and change, and developing informed perspectives on complex international issues. (Essential Disciplinary Practices II-VI) 

Whether teaching about 19th-century expansionism, Cold War interventions, or present-day hemispheric relations, understanding these policies helps students analyze how historical precedents inform current events.

Suggested Teaching Resources:

• Library of Congress primary source analysis tools
• The Monroe Doctrine (original text and context)
• The Roosevelt Corollary 
• Timeline of US involvement in Latin America (1823-present)
• War Powers Resolution

Facing History

Workshop: Applying the Themes of Democracy & Freedom Throughout a US History Course

Join Facing History for an interactive 90-minute workshop to explore a US History Course Planning Guide and reflect on ways to incorporate supplemental curriculum resources into US history lesson plans. 

Workshop January 21, 2026 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm PST

Sign Up

The Case Method

The Case Method Institute (CMI) partners with high school teachers nationwide to help strengthen teaching and learning in history, government, and civics courses. CMI offers teachers training in the case method—the core pedagogy used at many leading professional schools—and complete access to 22 cases exploring vital episodes in the history of American democracy.

Eligibility: Teachers currently teaching 9th-12th grade U.S. history, U.S. government, civics, world history, or other relevant social studies courses are eligible. No cost to teachers or districts.

Application and more information

Eighty-One Years After Liberation: Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt on Why Remembering Still Matters

Join Congregation Beth Israel and the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education for the 2026 Oseran Family Lecture featuring Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 6:30-8:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)

Location: Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209 Admission: Free with RSVP (in-person or livestream)

As one of the world's foremost historians of the Holocaust and a leading voice in confronting contemporary antisemitism, Ambassador Lipstadt will explore why remembering the Holocaust remains essential—not only as a matter of historical responsibility, but as a vital tool in combating denial, distortion, and the alarming rise of antisemitism around the world. She will address the urgent relevance of Holocaust education, the responsibilities of individuals and institutions in safeguarding truth, and ways communities can rebuild trust, resilience, and connection across political and ideological divides.

This event is free and open to the public with registration. A livestream option will be available for those unable to join in person.

RSVP For January 27th

Echoes and Reflections

Webinar: Confronting the “Final Solution”: Teaching the Holocaust with Care and Courage

In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IHRD) on January 27, teachers and students are invited to a one-hour webinar to reflect on the memory of the lives lost during this tragedy. Echoes and Reflections also offers a range of learning experiences throughout the month of January centered on Holocaust remembrance and understanding to elevate the human story behind this history.

Course Registration Closes January 18, 2026

Register

Sphere

Webinar: Liberty, Literature, and Civil Discourse in the Classroom

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, social science teachers recall the key principles that form America’s foundation. Of these, the “certain unalienable rights” the Founders declared are “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Register

National Council of History Education 

Fellowship: We the Teachers Fellowship at William & Mary

This year-long fellowship brings together 100 educators from across the country to examine the nation’s founding ideals through historical and civic discourse. Participants receive a $2,500 stipend and work directly with historians, scholars, and museum professionals on the William & Mary campus in Williamsburg, VA for a week in July. The fellowship is a collaboration between NCHE and William & Mary.

Applications are open through January 31, 2026

Colonial Williamsburg 

Scholarship applications: Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg's Bob & Marion Wilson Teacher Institute is currently accepting scholarship applications for its fully funded Summer 2026 onsite program, "Revolutionary Roots: Teaching Civic Engagement at 250"—a special program created in recognition of the 250th Commemoration. During the Teacher Institute, educators learn inside iconic Revolutionary-era spaces, engage with historians and historical interpreters, explore artifacts and special collections, discover instructional strategies and digital classroom resources, and collaborate with educators from across the country.

Teacher Scholarship Applications

We The People by Jill Lepore

Adopted in 1859, the Oregon Constitution now includes 260 amendments. The US Constitution has only 27, 16 since 1795. Yet, hundreds of amendments to the U.S. Constitution have been proposed over two centuries. Why is amending the Constitution so difficult? Why do amendments come in waves? Why has the state convention process (Article V’s alternative method) never been used? And with Article V mostly dormant, how has the Supreme Court filled the gap, interpreting the meaning of an 18th century Constitution for 21st-century challenges?  These questions, and others, get a thorough investigation in Jill Lepore’s recent examination of US history, We The People.

The book provides a focused examination of Article V and an expansive look at the many attempts to amend the Constitution. This is not a book of Constitutional law. Instead, Lepore utilizes Harvard’s Amendment Project to investigate the history behind the 27 successful amendments alongside hundreds of failed attempts, revealing the struggles and stories that comprise a compelling historical narrative.  

Lepore examines how the Founders understood amendment as essential to maintaining a democratic republic, then traces two centuries of Americans fighting to fulfill the promise of liberty and equality for all. Her case studies amplify the voices of women, Black Americans, and Native peoples now included in Oregon’s more complete social science standards. From suffragists to civil rights activists to modern constitutional reformers, Lepore highlights amendment campaigns as sites of profound civic engagement and democratic struggle. 

There is plenty in this book, much more detailed than the previously recommended This America, useful for professional learning and in the classroom. Sections of the We The People can help students understand:

• Why constitutional change is both necessary and difficult (8.C.PI, HS.C.PI, EDP VI).
• How historically underrepresented groups have used the amendment process to expand rights (8.US, HS.US, EDP V, EDP VIII)
• The tension between democratic ideals and political reality(8.C.DP, HS.C.DP, EDP IV)
• How ordinary citizens can effect constitutional change and take informed civic action (8.C.CE, HS.C.CE, EDP X)

iCivics

The Bill of Rights: The Constitution Explained

In this playlist of 11 videos, students explore the key freedoms and protections that are outlined in the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

This playlist is a part of Constitution EXPLAINED, a series of 35 short videos that explain the text, history, and relevance of the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and additional amendments in everyday language.

View the Bill of Rights playlist | Ver en español

PBS and OPB

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 19, 2026

Teach your students about the powerful leader who helped change America by fighting for equality through peace and courage. Watch as historians reflect on the life and legacy of King and his role in the Civil Rights Movement, then start a classroom conversation about fairness, kindness, and the importance of standing up for what they believe is right. Celebrate this monumental day in your classroom and remind your students that everyone can help make this world a better place!

For Elementary Educators

For 6-12: Poor People’s Campaign

Oregon Black Pioneers Education Newsletter

OBP is launching a new quarterly education newsletter to help keep our teaching partners connected to our latest resources, updates, and opportunities. If you would like to receive this newsletter, please opt in using the link below.

OBP Education Newsletter Interest Form

Volunteer with Civics Learning Project

The Civics Learning Project (CLP) is seeking volunteers for its upcoming Mock Trial and We the People competitions. In Mock Trial, students take on courtroom roles as attorneys and witnesses. In We the People, students testify before a panel about the U.S. Constitution. These programs develop critical thinkers and civic leaders.

Volunteers serve as judges, facilitators, and scorers at regional and state tournaments, providing professional feedback that helps students learn and grow. No prior experience is needed—training is provided!

Upcoming Volunteer Dates: Mock Trial: Regional: Feb. 21 or 28, 2026 | State: March 14-15, 2026 We the People: Regional: Jan. 24, 2026 | State: Jan. 31, 2026

Learn More and Volunteer

Oregon History Bee and Bowl  March 14, 2026

International Academic Competitions will host the 2026 Oregon History Bee and Bowl at Rainier High School on March 14, 2026. This tournament is open to all students who have not yet played this set of questions during the 2025-2026 academic year, regardless of their home state.

Students can compete in the History Bowl (team competition) and History Bee (individual competition), with top performers qualifying for the National Championships in April. Middle and elementary school students are welcome to participate.

Registration Details:

• Preregistration closes March 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
• Late registration (with fee) available until March 9, 2026
• Individual Bee participants can register on-site with no late fees

For more information or to register, contact Tournament Coordinator Marshall Mullins at marshall@iacompetitions.com or visit the website 

National Civics Bee: 2026 Applications Now Open

The National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in participating states, the competition is free and welcomes students from public, private, charter, and homeschool settings.

The essay application portal is now open and closes on February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.  Last year, finalists from 39 states competed in the National Championship, demonstrating their civic knowledge and skills. This initiative enhances civic literacy, skills, and participation among middle school students across the country.

Learn more and apply