IntroductionIn the classroom, educators are often looking to create spaces for discussion and learning about unfolding current events, like the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, October 7th and the subsequent Hamas-Israel War. Learning about any current events risks harmful incidents among students. However, there is also an opportunity for a meaningful and nuanced learning experience that may still cause discomfort or emotional reactions, but can create new…

IntroductionFeelings of fear, powerlessness and vulnerability are common experiences all people share whenever acts of hatred, terrorism, or mass shootings occur, and feelings are personally compounded when the events target a group with which members of the school community identify. Children and teens are not immune to these feelings, but adults can help by providing information that answers their questions, giving them opportunities to express how they feel, reassuring them that adults in…

Most acts of targeted violence don't happen without warning. Learn about the signs experts look for in someone who may be on a pathway to violence

Each stage along the pathway reflects an escalation in thought and behavior, leading toward violence.

Learn how to recognize these attacks and how to respond to them

Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) is a systematic, evidence-based process used by schools, workplaces, and law enforcement to identify, assess, and manage individuals who may pose a threat to themselves or others. The model provides a structured way to notice warning signs, understand what they mean, and take action before anyone gets hurt. BTAM helps answer important questions like: Is this person in crisis? Are they at risk of hurting themselves or others? What support do…

A glossary that explains some of the popular terms, references, and images used to signal transgression and belonging in online communities that glorify mass violence and extremist killings.

In a world that is increasingly connected through social media, educators often incorporate current events into instruction. While this is an important tool for educators to make learning feel relevant and current for students, it also must be done with thought and care. Many curriculum offerings claim to offer educators resources and guidance on integrating complex current events into their classrooms, like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sometimes these offerings, while claiming to provide…

Educators surveyed in a 2025 RAND study said that after school curricula and U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum materials, YouTube is their most-used supplement for teaching the Holocaust and related Jewish topics. Although its videos are free and visually engaging, their quality varies; for example, Vox’s “The Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Brief, Simple History” can appear more reliable than it is. Vox itself is an American news and opinion website that leans towards the…

In recent years, the education landscape has changed dramatically. With the rise of AI platforms like ChatGPT and resource sharing hubs like Teachers Pay Teachers, there are many organizations and resources that claim to offer quality material—often at no cost.  The rise of these platforms coincides with a change in trends for educators. According to a report from Education Week, the average teacher uses five supplemental resources and two core curricula sources. While the intention…

Back to School is a busy time for all. Explore our resources for both educators and families to support creating classrooms where all students can thrive.

National heritage and celebration months are excellent opportunities to explore, celebrate and educate about the many cultures and peoples of the United States.

Engage in a family conversation about the role of election poll workers and discuss both the rewards and risks of being an election worker.

Help students explore and think critically about films on the Jewish experience.

Table Talk: Family Conversations about Current EventsYou may have heard about “swatting” because it's been in the news recently. What exactly is swatting? Why do people do it?  Because young people are exposed to swatting online, on both mainstream websites and the “dark web” (i.e., hidden websites) and because some swatting incidents begin in online gaming or other digital platforms, it is an important topic to discuss with young people.  Swatting is &ldquo…

Use this collection of classroom activities about holidays and observances to enhance students' understanding of our multicultural society and world.

There are many benefits to humor. A good joke can ease tension in a stressful situation. Humor can connect people and bring them together. Jokes can bring levity to a situation that begs for lightheartedness. Being funny can signal to others who you are.  Humor can even open a conversation that previously felt closed or off-limits.  However, jokes and humor, when they target social identity groups, can do the opposite. They can make people feel unsafe, disconnected, excluded and…

Learn helpful approaches educators can use to talk with young people about extremism and how to help young people resist and counter it.