One of the expectations for teachers in recent years has been to educate students on important topics that fall outside of their traditional curriculum content. Unfortunately, many educators say they don’t feel prepared to teach these topics.
According to MDR’s report “Educator Perspectives on the State of the Teaching Profession, 2022,” teachers rated the following topics as subjects they were “not at all” prepared to teach:
- LGBTQ+ (56%)
- Financial literacy skills (40%)
- Racial justice and anti-racism (26%)
- Job skills (25%)
These statistics don’t mean teachers don’t want to teach these topics or don’t think they’re important—they simply reveal a lack of support and/or resources to teach them.
Teachers are asking for professional development help.
It may be hard to believe teachers don’t receive enough tools or training on critical topics like LGBTQ+, financial literacy skills, racial justice and anti-racism, and job skills, but it’s often true. Consider that some of these topics are hard to navigate with adults, never mind with a classroom full of inquisitive third graders or emotionally charged high school juniors. So educators are eager for support.
Here’s what teachers are saying on social media:
“So through a long series of events, I find myself teaching a financial literacy class. (I am normally a journalism teacher. Yes, this is funny.) … What accessible resources are you aware of for such things?”
“Looking for ideas for personal financial literacy unit for my 21st Century Learning classes, 4th grade. Does anyone have any great resources?”
“I have my first full-time teaching position and am looking for any advice on teaching racial justice in my classroom.”
“When you have students let you know their name has changed, or they tell you their pronouns, and that it’s okay to use the names and/or pronouns in class, how do you make sure the rest of the class uses the correct name and pronouns for that student?”
“I am working on creating a career-readiness lesson for high schoolers. I’d like to align it to standards. Any recommendations?”
This lack of resources and knowledge can be a partnership opportunity.
The good news is that there are plenty of brands in a strong position to help fill this gap. In fact, some have already partnered with our online community WeAreTeachers to create and/or promote meaningful resources to help educators teach these tough topics.
Here are a few recent examples:
- Adventures in Math: Real-World Math and Money Activities for K–8
- Free Poster Set: Financial Tips for Teens
- Muslim Students Are Being Bullied. Here’s How You Can Help.
- Hands-On Career Exploration Activities for Middle and High School
- 10 Things About Childhood Trauma Every Teacher Needs To Know
There’s still more for partners to do.
The brands associated with the content linked above are already supporting educators in tangible ways that help provide meaningful resources on topics educators say they don’t feel prepared to teach.
But teachers want and need more.
Fortunately, there’s so much untapped potential in areas where brands can get creative as they work to support education with resources that make a difference.
Teachers will jump quickly on a free resource like “Every High School Senior Needs This Mini-Lesson on Credit and Budgeting” or “This Free Email Communication Skills Lesson Changed My Classroom.” They talk in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE Facebook community about wanting guidance on how to build LGBTQ+ topics into their history classes or racial justice into their science lessons.
Wondering how you can be part of the solution?
First, think about how your brand’s mission and business goals align with the topics educators say they need more support to teach. Then think about the types of resources—activities, lessons, posters, tips, advice—you could provide to educators to meet their needs in the classroom.
Need help coming up with ideas, creating resources, or promoting something you’ve already developed? MDR and WeAreTeachers can help.
The best part? You’ll make a valuable impact on education while reaching your target audience and building a positive brand image. Teachers will thank you (really!) because you’re providing content they truly want and need. And most important, you’ll support students in the classroom and beyond.
