BRI's Educator Newsletter

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Later this month, our nation will pay tribute to the great American civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the ways to honor his legacy is by exploring how he changed the course of history by urging the country to live up to its promise of "liberty and justice for all" through his writings, speeches, and actions. Check out the lessons and activities below, and show us the ways you and your students are celebrating Dr. King's birthday on Facebook ([link removed]) , Twitter ([link removed]) , and Instagram ([link removed]) . We would love to send you swag!

Congratulations to BRI Teacher Council member Tracey Downey! CBS News produced a story on her Advanced Placement U.S. history class discussing President Trump's impeachment ([link removed]) last month. Tracey teaches at Ridge Community High School outside of Orlando, Florida.

Are you teaching about impeachment in your classroom? If so, please share these and any other current events lessons with us—either on social media or by email at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) . As always, we will send pocket constitutions, stickers, pens, and other swag to you and your students!

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BRI Lessons & Resources

I Have a Dream: MLK Jr. and Identity
** In this American Portraits narrative and lesson ([link removed])
, students will examine events in the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., analyzing both his identity and his contributions to American identity.

The Civil Rights Movement: The Declaration and MLK, Jr.
** In this student activity ([link removed])
, have students read ** Handout A: The Declaration and Martin Luther King, Jr ([link removed])
. and answer the critical thinking questions. Students should then discuss with a partner how Martin Luther King, Jr. justified his argument for equality and civil rights for African-Americans using American Founding documents and principles.

War and Constitutional Separation of Powers
Are you and your students following the news from the Middle East? Does the Constitution require the president to consult Congress before taking the kind of military action he ordered in Iran last week? Check out ** t ([link removed])
** hese readings and activities from Documents of Freedom ([link removed])
for background on this question.
BRI News

Think the Vote Debate: Religious Liberty and LGBTQ Rights
You and your students can win gift cards and swag by participating in our latest debate prompt on Think the Vote. The latest question: ** Can the federal government find a balance between religious liberty and LGBTQ protections? ([link removed])

We the Students Essay Contest is Now Accepting Submissions
This year's ** We the Students essay contest ([link removed])
asks students to respond to the question: What does civil discourse mean to you? The contest deadline is April 15, 2000, and we will be awarding a total of $20,000 in scholarship funds to 14 students.

Educator Spotlight

Meet Jeanette Lozano!
Jeanette Lozano knew she wanted to teach since she was in 4th grade. “[My teacher] Mr. Melton was fun but firm and taught us that growing up responsibly was going to benefit us and our families and society as a whole,” she recalls. Jeanette has been teaching for nine years and is currently instructing AP Comparative Government and Model Organization of American States at Midland High School in Texas** ...Read More. ([link removed])

** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** YouTube ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])

BoE: Bottom of Email
Dear Educator Friends,

Welcome back! I hope that you all had a restful and relaxing time away from your classrooms and are refreshed and motivated to get back into the daily grind.

This month, I'm struck with a memory of taking some ** Constitutional Academy ([link removed])
students to the Lincoln Memorial. While there, I pointed out the star that marks the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. shared his famous "I Have A Dream Speech" to a set of roommates from vastly different backgrounds. They asked me to take their picture, and to this day it remains one of my favorites: one white face and one black face looking up at me while sitting next to this momentous landmark. Oh friends, there is a lot that needs to change in our country, but as you celebrate and remember MLK day this year, won't you do so with the spirit of friendship and reconciliation - because lots of times that does indeed happen?

All my best,

Laura Vlk
Senior Manager, Teacher Services
Copyright © 2020 Bill of Rights Institute, All rights reserved.

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