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Start Here: Begin Teaching AAPI History

Belonging starts in the classroom. Teaching AAPI history helps students see themselves, their communities, and the broader American story more clearly. You don’t have to redesign your curriculum—educators across roles can begin by identifying where these stories fit into what they already teach.

Start by using our K–5 and 6–12 planning guides to map AAPI history across your school year. Then leverage key moments throughout the calendar to connect AAPI stories to what you already teach. When you’re ready to go further, explore professional learning opportunities to build your confidence and deepen your practice. Each entry point offers practical ways to help AAPI students see themselves reflected in the curriculum while expanding every learner’s understanding of the diverse histories that shape our society.

A teacher smiling behind her desk

Start With a Plan

Map AAPI history across the school year.

Our planning guides show exactly where AAPI histories and perspectives connect to courses, units, and topics you already teach. Each guide organizes examples across the school year using classroom-ready resources from the Hub to incorporate AAPI history into your lessons.

Start with a guide for your grade band to see how it works, then explore the Hub to find additional materials that support your teaching goals.

K-5 Planning Guide

K-5 Planning Guide

This guide is designed as a practical planning tool to help K–5 educators integrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history throughout the year using ready-to-teach lessons from the AAPI History Hub.

6-12 Planning Guide

6-12 Planning Guide

This guide is designed as a practical planning tool to help you identify high-leverage moments to integrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and expand what’s included in secondary history instruction over time.

Use It Throughout the Year

Leverage key moments throughout the calendar.

Bring AAPI history into your classroom through moments throughout the school year—like heritage months, holidays, and key historical anniversaries—making it easy to connect AAPI stories to what students are already learning.

Back to School (first 2-3 weeks)

Identity, Belonging & Community

Identity, Belonging & Community

Kick off the year with routines and conversations that help students explore identity and community, and belonging.

Anytime, or around key dates

Cultural Holidays & Community Commemorations

Cultural Holidays & Community Commemorations

Bring diverse cultural traditions into your classroom like Lunar New Year and Diwali or important dates such as the anniversary of the Fall of Saigon.

Find a professional learning opportunity near you

Teaching Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Community Support Series

Teaching Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Community Support Series

Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Webinars

Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Webinars

Hidden Voices Professional Learning Resources

Hidden Voices Professional Learning Resources

Grow Your Practice

Deepen your teaching with professional learning opportunities.

Discover high-quality workshops, trainings, and webinars designed to help you feel more prepared and confident teaching AAPI history. Find opportunities that fit your needs—whether you’re getting started or looking to go deeper.