Celebrate Black History Month with Your Students

February marks Black History Month, a time for reflection, celebration, and education about the countless contributions of Black Americans to the fabric of our nation. As educators, we hold a unique role in fostering understanding, appreciation, and awareness in our classrooms of the rich history and diverse experiences of Black Americans. This month, let’s not only honor their legacies but also provide our students with the tools and resources to continue learning about the incredible individuals who have shaped our society.
This year, in addition to providing links to Black History Month resources for your classroom, we highlight three Black educators who inspired generations of youth, promoted learning equality, and helped reshape our nation’s education system.
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955)
Mary McLeod Bethune was a pioneering educator and civil rights leader who founded the National Council of Negro Women and established the Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University) in Florida. Bethune dedicated her life to improving education for Black children and advocating for equal opportunities for Black women. She served as an adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and worked tirelessly to advance education and civil rights.
Bethune’s legacy is one of resilience and empowerment through education. Her advocacy for educational access and her belief in the transformative power of learning continue to inspire educators today. She was also a key figure in the fight for racial equality during the Civil Rights Movement.
Dr. Mae Jemison (1956–Present)
Dr. Mae Jemison is best known as the first African American woman to travel in space. However, her impact extends far beyond her groundbreaking journey. As a physician, engineer, and astronaut, Dr. Jemison has been a fierce advocate for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. She has worked tirelessly to inspire young people—especially women and minorities—to pursue careers in STEM fields, and she founded the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, which provides science education to underserved communities.
Dr. Jemison’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of access to education in all fields, especially for marginalized groups. Her accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration for countless students, especially young girls and students of color, to believe in their potential and follow their passions—no matter the barriers.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950)
Often called the “Father of Black History,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson was an educator, historian, and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). He is most famous for establishing Negro History Week in 1926, which later expanded into Black History Month. Woodson was passionate about sharing the history of Black Americans. He wrote extensively, including his groundbreaking book The Mis-Education of the Negro, in which he critiqued the educational system for its failure to recognize the contributions of Black people.
Woodson’s work laid the foundation for the study of Black history in schools and universities. His dedication to education as a tool for self-empowerment and social change continues to resonate in how we teach history and culture today.
Check out these sites for additional information and activities on Black History Month for your classroom:
- TEA.gov: Offers lessons and instructional materials for your classroom
- PBS LearningMedia: Provides videos, lesson plans, and classroom activities
- Carter G. Woodson’s ASALH Website: Explores teaching resources, lesson plans, and more
Key Social Studies TEKS connected to Black History Month include:
- 2ª
- 12, 1.2
- 2A, 2.10B, 2.14ª
- 1B, 3.9B, 3.6D, 3.11B, 3.12ª
- 14D, 4.18A, 4.2
- 2B, 5.21B, 5.22A, 5.5
- 18a
- 5, 7.7D, 7.17B, 7.18B, 7.18D
- 13, 8.7C, 8.24A
Additionally, science TEKS include:
- 4B, 1.4B, 2.4B, 3.4B, 4.4B, 5.4B
- 4A, 7.4A, 8.4A
- 4C, 7.4C, 8.4C
- BIO/PHYS/IPC/CHEM 4.B, 4.C
For more information and resources please visit the Toolbox within our ATPE Online Community.

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