For Theravada Buddhists, Vesak is a major holy day to be marked by a rededication to the dharma and the Eightfold Path. This year, Vesak falls on Monday May 12, 2025. Monks and nuns meditate and chant the ancient rules of their orders. People bring flowers and offerings to the temples, where they may also meditate and listen to talks. In the evenings, there are often solemn candlelight processions. Vesak observances sometimes include the release of birds, insects, and caged wild animals to symbolize the liberation of enlightenment. Below are resources to learn more: 

PBS LearningMedia - Vesak

United Nations - Vesak Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday of May. This year, it falls on Monday, May 26, 2025. 

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem. On a less somber note, many people take weekend trips or throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because Memorial Day weekend—the long weekend comprising the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day and Memorial Day itself—unofficially marks the beginning of summer. Below are resources to learn more: 

History Channel - Memorial Day

History Channel - 9 Things you May Not Know About Memorial Day

Help your students understand how issues in Washington state are addressed within the legislative process.

During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) have the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. Students will learn about where the Democrats and Republicans stand on important policies and how policy committees are at the core of how the Legislature (and the public) work to address state issues.

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Get updates on our latest educational resources, you can share in the classroom on what is happening in the Legislature.

The Teach With TVW Newsletter comes out weekly during the Legislative Session, and monthly the rest of the year.

https://teachwithtvw.org/newsletter/

All of Teach With TVW's programs are FREE, and center on the power of engagement at the State and local level while easily meeting the WA C3 standards for middle and high school civics, history and politics.

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The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is pleased to announce the publication of the AP African American Studies Guide, a centuries-spanning, expert-led, document-based exploration of Black history. You can view their free study guide to see the following:

• 150+ primary source documents, essays from History Now, historian lectures, and videos from Inside the Vault and Book Breaks
• 180+ resources from archives and collections around the world, each designated by the College Board as relevant resources for the AP test
• 88 short videos from the Black History in Two Minutes (or so) series, hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and featuring scholars from across the field of African American Studies
• 25 learning resources created by Edward L. Ayers and the team at New American History and Bunk
• 23 maps courtesy of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, at the New York Public Library
• Artwork courtesy of the Bryan Museum and MTA Arts & Design

Do you know an outstanding educator? The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking 2025 National History Teacher of the Year nominations.

Each year they recognize first-rate K–12 teachers—from rural and urban districts, public and independent schools, teaching a wide variety of subjects—who find creative ways to bring history to life in their classrooms.

The nomination process is fast, easy, and free. Learn more and nominate a teacher at gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy. The nomination deadline for this year's award is April 30, 2025. 

What is the Youth Heritage Project (YHP)?
YHP is an annual heritage field school program for high school-aged youth. It brings together students, teachers, and cultural resource professionals from across Washington state to explore important historic places and discuss why it is essential to preserve them. Participants work together on a real preservation project while building leadership and advocacy skills.

Where and When is YHP 2025?
July 15–18, 2025
Port Townsend, Washington
Location Theme: Port Townsend’s Maritime Heritage

Who Can Participate?
Any student who will be in high school (including graduating seniors) during the 2025–2026 school year.
We also welcome educators and adult chaperones to attend.
Participants will be selected through an application process in Spring 2025.

Why Should Students Attend?

• Explore careers in history, architecture, archaeology, and preservation
• Build leadership and advocacy skills
• Connect with like-minded peers
• Contribute to a real preservation project
• Discover Port Townsend’s maritime legacy

Cost:
YHP is free to attend. Meals, lodging, and program materials are provided.
Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the event.
Travel scholarships may be available.

Learn More and Apply:
https://www.preservewa.org/yhp

The Washington State Civic Learning Council has created a scholarship program to provide financial grants and support to educators and students participating in high-quality civic education programs at the national, state, tribal and local government level. 

Grants will generally be awarded between the range of $250 to $1000. Grants will be considered in excess of these amounts, contingent on availability of funds and strength of application. Eligibility is open for a wide array of personnel involved in education, including educators, leaders of after-school programs, parent-teacher associations, home school organizations, individual students, nonprofits, and community organizations.

For more information and a link to the application, click here.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching and learning materials that are free to use, adapt, and share. On May 21 from 3:30-4:30pm, discover the 2024-2025 OER Project grantee resources available on the Washington OER Hub.

What to Expect

• Explore resources developed by OER Project grantees. Areas include global issues (integrated content), media literacy, social emotional learning, special education, and U.S. History.
• Discuss strategies for effective implementation
• Learn how to adapt grantee resources to meet district needs

Click here to register for the session. Educators can earn 1 clock hour. For more information, contact Barbara Soots at barbara.soots@k12.wa.us

Registration is open for the 2025 Belfer National Conference for Holocaust Education, taking place June 23-25. At this free, virtual professional learning conference, educators will explore the latest practices in accurate, meaningful teaching about the Holocaust with Museum historians and educators.  Find new 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.
• Join concise sessions that offer instructional strategies paired with historically accurate, classroom-ready resources based on the Museum’s extensive collection.
• Learn from the Museum’s historians and educators through live, interactive sessions, or watch recordings on demand at your convenience.
• Engage with Museum Teacher Fellows, experienced educators who offer practical advice on strategies and tools for your classroom.
• Connect in real time with a community of educators dedicated to teaching and learning about the Holocaust.
• Share the experience and use discussion guides to collaborate with educators in your area.

Don’t forget, educators earn 24 certified professional development hours in most states, receive free resources, and get streamlined access to registration, live sessions, and on-demand viewing through a new, virtual conference platform. Register Now at ushmm.org/2025BelferLeaders

Deepen your knowledge of the Constitution and how it has been used by different groups throughout history to enact change at the National Constitution Center's fall Weekend Workshops. Participants can expect to:  

• Engage with scholars on historic and modern questions relating to constitutional topics 
• Explore the Center’s educational framework and learn about its nonpartisan educational resources, such as the Interactive Constitution and Constitution 101
• Discover historical content through guided tours of the Center’s exhibits 
• Collaborate with peers and the NCC Education team

Dates and themes:

• September 19–21 | Women and the Constitution 
• October 24–26 | African Americans and the Constitution 
• November 14–16 | Native Americans and the Constitution

Application criteria:

This set of Weekend Workshops is only open to applicants in rural, remote, or underserved communities. Others may apply, but preference will be given to applicants who meet this requirement.

The Center covers the costs of all travel to the National Constitution Center, lodging, and meals for those selected to participate, but space is limited to no more than 15 educators. Applications are open now until May 16.