Newsletter

There is still time to apply for fall in-person and online professional development programs for social studies and ELA teachers. Upcoming in-person workshops include "Teaching Media Literacy" in Houston (October 16) and "Teaching Latino Poetry" in San Antonio (November 12). Webinars include "Analyzing Change Over Time with Documentary Photography" (October 21), "Teaching Native American Literature" (November 12 and 19), and "Teaching Shakespeare with The Bard in the Borderlands: Part III" (November 20). More»

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To celebrate this historic milestone, America250 is hosting the America's Field Trip contest. The contest invites students from across the nation to share their unique perspectives on what America means to them. Winners will have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable field trip to some of the country’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks. The submission deadline is April 16, 2025. More»

Born in San Antonio, Colonel José Francisco Ruiz was one of two native Texan signatories of the Texas Declaration of Independence. A former Mexican Army officer, Ruiz had fought against Spain during the Mexican War of Independence. Then, in the 1830s, he risked everything again to liberate Texas. After Santa Anna’s defeat, Ruiz became San Antonio's senator in the first Texas Congress. He died in 1840, having guided Texas from colonial possession to independent republic. More»