National Partnership Launches New Resource Hub for Educators Nationwide

NATIONWIDE—The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History have unveiled a new resource page designed to provide educators with comprehensive materials on Jewish history, antisemitism, and Jewish identity in the U.S. This initiative aligns with the start of Jewish American Heritage Month, enhancing teaching on these critical topics.

Available on AFT’s Share My Lesson platform, the resource page offers teachers curated lesson plans, primary documents, and multimedia content. These resources are crafted to ensure accurate and inclusive teaching, drawing from the Weitzman Museum’s Stories that Shaped a Nation curriculum and JCPA’s focus on countering antisemitism and promoting democratic values. This initiative is part of a broader effort between JCPA and AFT to equip teachers with tools to teach about antisemitism and Jewish history, foster community connections, and enhance public education.

“At a moment of challenging and too-often-politicized conversations on antisemitism and Jewish identity, it’s essential to provide educators with trusted, high-quality tools and resources that strengthen – rather than divide – our classrooms and communities. JCPA and AFT’s partnership is about just that: advancing constructive, nuanced engagement aimed at understanding the Jewish community, countering antisemitism and hate, and advancing inclusive schools and our democratic values,” said Amy Spitalnick, JCPA CEO. “We’re proud that The Weitzman’s vital tools are now accessible to educators across the country through this partnership and look forward to continuing to work with educators and union leaders across the country.”

There is an increasing demand for educational resources that address antisemitism while promoting civic education and inclusive democracy. AFT President Randi Weingarten stated, “The AFT is proud to partner with the Weitzman Museum and JCPA to support educators with tools that are grounded in scholarship. These resources will help educators engage in the rich history of American Jewry while fostering inclusive learning environments — and this partnership will assist educators around the country in teaching about antisemitism, Jewish history, and the contributions of Jewish Americans to our society.”

“This collaboration brings The Weitzman’s mission of presenting educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America into classrooms across the country," said Dan Tadmor, President and CEO of The Weitzman. "By making our educational materials accessible through AFT’s Share My Lesson, we are helping educators tell the complete and nuanced story so we may connect Jews more closely to their heritage and inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire.”

To access the new resource page, educators can visit Share My Lesson here.