Speaker Welch Offers Words of Encouragement as Students and Teachers Start a New Academic Year

 

Westchester, Ill. – Students and teachers are headed back to school for a new and exciting academic year. As a father of two young children himself, House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch offers well wishes and encouragement for those who are back in the classroom.

"The new school year is always an inspiring time," said Speaker Welch. "It's filled with the hope of new beginnings, new memories, and new friendships. I'm sending well wishes to all students, teachers, administrators, and staff as they return to school for this new academic year. From the wide-eyed kindergartener to the experienced high schooler, I want you to strive to do your best and remember that the classroom holds the keys to your biggest dreams!"

The state legislature also continues to prioritize equitable and inclusive education for all. Last year Illinois made history last as the first state in the nation to require the inclusion of Asian American history in public school curriculum. Below are some resources available to help support educators effectively include these lessons in their classrooms.

  • ISBE has made available free curriculum resources on their website HERE.

  • Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Chicago (AAAJ) are hosting professional development workshops for teachers, a list of dates is HERE.

  • AAAJ has a list of sample curriculum on Airtable, for grades K-8 HERE and 9-12 HERE. Instructions on how to use the database are HERE.

  • The Asian American Education Project has lesson plans available HERE.

 
Andrea Garcia