Teaching 9/11 to students, to the world

On a recent Saturday, the 9/11 Memorial Museum staff collaborated with the United Federation of Teachers, or UFT, in an open house event at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, 20 Vesey St. We hosted a panel with New York City teachers, who have used our resources to create dynamic and inspiring 9/11 teaching tools for their classes. Additionally, we presented plans for the memorial museum and highlighted available educational resources.

Included in those resources are oral histories, our teaching guides, and our short films.

We also explored the artifacts on display at the Preview Site, including the damaged helmet of a firefighter, who survived 9/11, and a plastic replica of the Statue of Liberty covered with tributes. As a group, educators and staff discussed how objects can help students better understand the history of 9/11 and the individuals who were affected by it.  Helping students understand the events of history and recognize the impact of these events on today’s world is one of the most important aspects of teaching.

Because of the difficult recollections and powerful emotions often evoked by talking about 9/11, teaching about the attacks can be particularly hard. While it may be challenging, it doesn't deter the staff of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The institution is committed to collaborating with educators to develop educational programs and materials that provide accurate information about September 11, 2001 and the historical context of the attacks, as well as encourage students to consider what it means to live in this post-9/11 world.

If you have ideas, requests, comments or would like to offer feedback, please let us know at education@sept11mm.org. Also, feel free to leave related comments here on The MEMO blog.

By Katie Gora, Manager of Education and Partnerships for the 9/11 Memorial Museum