Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which we observe each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The celebration begins on Sept. 15 to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed closely by Mexico and Chile.

In Texas, where Hispanic and Latino communities are an integral part of the state’s history and identity, this month is more than a national observance; it is a reflection of our shared heritage. For students, especially those from Hispanic and Latino backgrounds, representation in the curriculum can be affirming and empowering. And for all learners, studying this history builds a deeper understanding of the people, events, and movements that have shaped our state and nation. National Hispanic Heritage Month offers educators like you an important opportunity to bring those stories into the classroom in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

Note: You might be wondering how the new prohibition on diversity, equity, and inclusion activities in Texas Education Code 11.005 (aka Senate Bill 12 passed by the 89th Texas Legislature during its 2025 regular session) affects your ability to observe commemorations like Hispanic Heritage Month. In fact, the code contains a relevant exception: “Nothing in this section may be construed to …  limit or prohibit a school district from acknowledging or teaching the significance of state and federal holidays or commemorative months and how those holidays or months fit into the themes of history and the stories of this state and the United States of America in accordance with the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Subchapter A, Chapter 28.” ATPE encourages you to communicate with your administrator regarding plans for any state or federal holidays and commemorative events to confirm they fall within this exception.

Resources for Your Classroom

The following resources, many of which align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), are available to help you incorporate Hispanic heritage into your lessons this month and beyond:

• Texas Education Agency (TEA) Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
  TEA offers a curated list of instructional resources, including primary documents and lesson materials that align with state standards.
• Institute of Texan Cultures (UTSA)
  The institute offers classroom-ready materials through its “Texans One and All” exhibit, as well as “Tex-Kits” that bring museum-quality content directly into the classroom.
• Bullock Texas State History Museum
  The state’s official history museum provides virtual exhibits, distance learning programs, and artifact galleries that explore Hispanic history in Texas. Educator guides and TEKS-aligned materials are available for various grade levels.
• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino
  The Smithsonian Institution offers bilingual lesson plans, digital exhibits, and storytelling videos such as the “Latinas Talk Latinas” series, which highlight underrepresented voices and historical figures.

The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication. It is provided here for informative purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Please note: Rights based on the Texas Education Code may not apply to all. Many Texas Education Code provisions do not apply to public charter schools, and public school districts may have opted out of individual provisions through a District of Innovation plan. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.