Sylvia Mendez told her amazing story of Mendez v Westminster, the 1946 ruling against segregation of Hispanics in the CA schools.   The ruling was the forerunner of the Brown decision 8 years later.

Across the country, thousands of social studies teachers bring students the good news that democracy is for everyone.  But, it’s not so easy being a social studies teacher these days.  All eyes- including the Dept. of Education’s- are turned to the new guy in town, the guy with the big bucks:  “STEM” -science, technology, engineering and math.

History? Geography? Civics?  Who cares!

Social studies teachers care, that’s who!

In fact, some of them, like these attending the California Council for the Social Studies statewide conference this weekend in Los Angeles, are on a crusade to help students not only learn,  but live, democracy in their schools and communities.  The teachers have great leadership for that, with Marsha Ingrao, the President of CCSS, and California’s own Michelle Herczog, the new (and first woman) president of the National Council for the Social Studies.

CA social studies teachers share some love for Mary Beth and the Tinker Tour students’ rights message

It was such an honor to be in Los Angeles with all of you. Thanks, social studies teachers, for encouraging kids to have a voice in democracy!  And, thanks to friends like the Perryman Fund, who appreciate what you do!

P.S. You can read more about the Mendez case in Phillipa Strum’s riveting book, “Mendez v Westminster.”