Amanda Levy loves teaching about the past — while preparing her scholars for their futures. As a ninth grade World History teacher at Success Academy High School of the Liberal Arts, she’s used to discussing everything from Mongols to majors with her scholars.

Every February Success Academy enjoys visits from some very important “guests.” Michelle Obama, Malcolm X, Hank Aaron, Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, and Morgan Freeman are just a few of the legends who can be spotted in our classrooms during Black History Month.

It was 2017 — Eni’s first year of teaching at Success Academy. After graduating from Harvard University, she joined Success in July, and from that moment on, it had felt like she was on the world’s craziest roller coaster. There were ups and downs, highs and lows, and it all happened at breakneck speed.

This November, Imani Johnson and her classmates from SA High School of the Liberal Arts were invited to visit a home in Derbyshire, England. Step inside their journey to England and find out more about our experience at Chatsworth House!

During one of the first Humanities lessons this year, the hands of my 7th grade historians shot into the air in response to my question: should statues honoring Confederate generals be removed from cities and towns across the U.S.? I’m always inspired by how much our scholars care about the world around them, and I’d been looking forward to this class discussion ever since summer T School, when I saw the topic on the history syllabus for middle school students.

Success Academy sent HSLA world history teacher Natasha Venner to the prestigious Gilder Lehrman Teaching Seminar at Oxford University this summer. History at Success is all about active engagement and using a rich variety of texts and techniques. The seminar was an incredible chance for her to bolster her skills and spark new ideas for the fall.

We want to ensure that every scholar feels included and in touch with their cultural background while at our schools. SA Prospect Heights launched an initiative promoting racial awareness in the classroom and among staff, and recently held two sessions focused on culturally responsive teaching.

In school, two of my favorite subjects are art and history. That’s why I was so excited when I had the chance to visit Sotheby’s.

This election year, our middle school scholars are taking a hands-on approach to civics education.

Since the primary season began, I have thought hard about how we as educators will help students navigate this election season.

But my scholars didn’t have to leave Harlem to take in Boston’s historic sites. For this field study, they used virtual reality viewers — simple devices made of cardboard that work with a smartphone and let users experience an immersive, three-dimensional environment.

Teaching black history is increasingly challenging precisely because of a renewed national commitment to teach it, and to teach it well.

In October, my classmates and I earned free tickets from our school to see the Broadway musical Hamilton, which tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and the other founders of American democracy.

For more decades than I choose to remember, I have taught history to unsuspecting university and high school students. I have illuminated history’s themes and issues through exciting and thought-provoking texts and artistic and architectural images. My travels have taken me to more than 20 countries on five continents. But until a month ago, I […]