The December Holidays
Many schools enjoy celebrating a non-religious “holiday season” but clearly favor Christmas in their traditions and decor. Moreover, important non-Christian holidays that don't occur in December are often overlooked completely. These resources can help your school community become more inclusive by reflecting on how and when holidays show up in your hallways, assemblies and classrooms.
![Young student raising hand to ask question during class lecture](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2018-08/Teaching-Tolerance-teaching-039.jpg?itok=7H8tFYfs)
Avoiding the Holiday 'Balance Traps'
Analyzing the School Holiday Calendar
Religious Holidays
Thanksgiving 2019
As Thanksgiving approaches, it's important to remember that some Indigenous communities observe the holiday as a day of mourning. We hope you'll think about the ways you bring Thanksgiving into your classroom and consider how you can ensure every member of your school community feels respected and valued in the process. Here are a few resources to get you started.
![corn](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2017-08/Teaching-Tolerance-Teaching-Thanksgiving-iStock-1800x1080.jpg?itok=BipW9ju1)
Teaching Thanksgiving in a Socially Responsible Way
![map showing the territory of the Wampanoag](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2018-03/TT_Territory-of-the-Wampanoag-1800x688.png?itok=7HmBw72W)
When Trivia Isn’t Trivial
The 2020 Teaching Tolerance Award
We’re now accepting nominations and applications for our biennial Award for Excellence in Teaching. Here’s how you can help us find the next award-winning educators!
![Teaching Tolerance Award for Excellence in Teaching](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2018-02/TT-Generic-Awards-Feb2018.png?itok=ihwc1Dwu)
Now Accepting Applications and Nominations for the Teaching Tolerance Award!
![A photo shows awards given for the Teaching Tolerance Award for Excellence in Teaching.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2019-11/TT-Generic-Awards-Feb2018%20%282%29_0.png?itok=GH5RHtRN)
“The Story of How I Teach Needed to Be Told”: Advice for TT Award Applicants From Winners
![Lightbulbs drawn in yellow and white chalk on a chalkboard.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2019-04/Teaching-Tolerance-ability-064.jpg?itok=bmAlnH62)
And the Winners Are...
Black Students Matter
Last week, a 7-year-old black boy came home from school with a realistic-looking gunshot wound painted on his forehead—by his drama teacher. The image understandably alarmed his mother. And it reminds us of the harm educators inflict when they insist they "don't see race." We hope you'll read and share these recommendations for protecting, respecting and celebrating the identities of your black students.
![Illustration of a student of color raising their hand in class while other students look on.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2019-09/TT63-Black-Minds-Matter-A-Harris-1800x1080.png?itok=aXBYieC5)
Black Minds Matter
![Illustration of students receiving high fives from adults as they disembark their school bus.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2019-01/TT61-Teaching-in-Solidarity-Alleanna-Harris-1800x1080.jpg?itok=yWswJ-Ye)
Black Lives Matter Week of Action
![Illustration of a lone young person in the dark looking out a window.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2019-05/TT62-When-Schools-Cause-Trauma-1800x1080.png?itok=9M81s9Hf)
When Schools Cause Trauma
Halloween 2019
Every year, we hear of students and educators whose Halloween costumes reinforce stereotypes, bolster systems of oppression or even make light of hate. In these cases, a simple conversation might have prevented a lot of harm. We hope you'll take the time to talk with your students about their Halloween costume choices this year—and think carefully about your own. Here's a place to start.
![A classroom full of students raising their hands in front of their teacher.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_thumbnail_s_m_l_xl/public/2018-10/Teaching-Tolerance-teaching-030.jpg?itok=SLxAPx23)