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This guide explores the relationship between secrecy and the First Amendment by exploring two interrelated legal problems: the rights of leakers and the press to publish secret information; and the bureaucratic process by which information is classified as secret in the first place. These issues are at the heart of recent conflicts about whistleblowers and classified information – individuals like Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden have faced jail time for sharing secrets with the public.

Free Speech Teaching Guide 3: The Problem of National Security Secrets

In Teaching Guides

Political Cartoon, Golfing Season, May 1, 1924, NARA

Provides a comprehensive list of websites and strategies to creatively introduce students to Progressive Era topics.

The Progressive Era: A Group Effort

In Ask a Master Teacher

Searching for new, exciting ways to engage your students in the classroom? Why not make them internet detectives?

Webquest, Inquiry, and Lincoln’s Views on Technology

In Teaching Guides

Spotlight on Elementary Education

History is made by those who are unafraid to push the envelope and redefine the society in which they live. Encourage your students to examine the men and women who worked to make America what it is today with this creative activity. FIND OUT MORE »

Lesson Plan Reviews

Evaluate key elements of effective teaching Watch the INTRODUCTORY VIDEO

Three Perspectives on Native American Removal and Westward Expansion

Check out this lesson on arguments surrounding the 1830 forced removal of [...] »

My History at School

To make something real, make it personal. Abstract concepts can best be [...] »

English Language Learners

Instructional strategies and resources for ELL

Responding to English Learners’ Writing with the 3 P’s

Use the three P’s (Preparation, Purpose, and Proficiency) to provide [...] »

Historical Thinking Matters

Primary sources in both English and Spanish on the Spanish American War, [...] »

Teaching Guides

Explore new teaching methods and approaches

Stating Your Case: Writing Thesis Statements Effectively

Thesis statements form the backbone of history essays and DBQs.

The Research Paper: Developing Historical Questions

Research papers are not an archaic form of assessment. Learn how to help [...] »

Mormons and Westward Expansion: A Guide for Pre-Service Teachers

Teachers guide students to create interactive digital maps detailing the [...] »

Housing and Houselessness: A Guide for Pre-Service Teachers

Help students understand the how policy and structural forces have shaped [...] »

Mystery Strategy for Elementary Students

Using the premise of a mystery, elementary students act as history [...] »

Ask a Master Teacher

Locating Resources on Teachinghistory.org

Have a specific topic you desperately need to locate primary sources for? We [...] »

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