Challenge structural racism and engage students in deep conversations about the rich diversity of the African-American experience for the national Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, Feb. 3-7.

The education committee of the National Black Lives Matter At School Week of Action created a free, downloadable curriculum resource guide with activities, resources and actions to challenge racism, fight oppression and build justice-centered classrooms. These teaching activities and lesson plans support students at every grade level and relate to the 13 principles of #BlackLivesMatter (BLM).

“We as educators need to deepen the dialogue and support our students to dismantle institutional racism,” says NEA Vice President Becky Pringle, who participated in a Facebook Live discussion about the key principles, resources available and how educators are getting involved. “When we fight for education justice, all students win.”

Each day of Black Lives Matter at School Week is dedicated to selected principles of BLM:

Monday, Feb. 3: Restorative Justice, Empathy, and Loving Engagement
Tuesday, Feb. 4: Diversity and Globalism
Wednesday, Feb. 5: Trans-Affirming, Queer Affirming, and Collective Value
Thursday, Feb. 6: Intergenerational, Black Families, and Black Villages
Friday, Feb. 7: Black Women and Unapologetically Black

The BLM at School Week of Action is centered around four key demands: Ending “zero tolerance” discipline policies and implementing restorative justice practices; hiring more black teachers; mandating black history and ethnic studies; and funding counselors instead of police officers in schools.

Join educators across the country in pledging to build the movement for racial justice in education and check out the BLM at School Starter Kit for resources on how to get involved. Also, download the new Black Lives Matter at School Activity Book, which includes engaging activities, and powerful quotes and images from Black thought leaders, artists, activists and organizers.

“Education is not neutral and the lessons we share with students matter,” says CTA President E. Toby Boyd. “Our students are very aware of the racial injustices across our country and in our communities. It’s up to us as educators to help them have brave conversations as they process interactions that they see, hear and are subject to in their daily lives.”