May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—a meaningful opportunity for K–12 special educators to deepen students’ understanding of identity and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cultures.

<p>May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—a meaningful opportunity for K–12 special educators to deepen students’ understanding of identity and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cultures. For students with disabilities, especially in small group settings, this month offers a chance to explore rich histories and voices through accessible, engaging, and culturally responsive instruction.​</p><h2>Why AANHPI Heritage Month Matters in Special Education</h2><p>Students in special education often face multiple layers of marginalization. Integrating AANHPI stories and perspectives into your curriculum not only affirms students from these communities but also helps all learners develop empathy, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. Inclusive education benefits everyone—especially when it reflects the diverse world our students live in.​</p><h2>Best Practices for Inclusive AANHPI Instruction</h2><h3>Use Culturally Responsive Materials</h3><p>Select texts and media that reflect a variety of AANHPI identities, including disability, immigration, and language diversity. For example, the <a href="https://www.taaf.org/projects/aapi-history-hub" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AAPI History Hub</a> offers curated lesson plans, books, and films tailored for K–12 classrooms.</p><h3>Adapt for Accessibility</h3><p> Ensure materials are available in multiple formats—such as simplified texts, visual supports, and audio versions—to meet diverse learning needs.&nbsp;</p><h3>Balance Celebration and Critical Thinking</h3><p>While highlighting achievements, also address the challenges AANHPI communities have faced. The Anti-Defamation League’s <a href="https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/documents/2022-05/9-ideas-for-teaching-asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">teaching guide</a> emphasizes the importance of balancing cultural celebration with discussions on inclusion and equity.</p><h3>Foster Belonging Through Student Voice</h3><p>Encourage students to share their own cultural stories or family traditions. This builds a sense of belonging and helps students recognize the value of their identities.&nbsp;</p><h3>Collaborate Across Classrooms</h3><p>Work with general education teachers to co-plan inclusive activities. This collaboration ensures that students with disabilities are included in school wide celebrations and learning experiences.</p><h2>Top 3 Resources for Special Educators</h2><h3><a href="https://sharemylesson.com/collections/aanhpi-heritage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Share My Lesson – AANHPI Heritage Collection</a></h3><p>A free library of over 100 K–12 lesson plans, videos, and activities covering AANHPI history, arts, and civic contributions.&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.uft.org/teaching/classroom-resources/culturally-responsive-teaching-resources/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-teaching-resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Asian American and Pacific Islander Teaching Resources – UFT</a></h3><p>Offers booklists and curriculum materials to support culturally responsive teaching practices.&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://edsitement.neh.gov/teachers-guides/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-and-history-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EDsitement AANHPI Teacher’s Guide</a></h3><p>Provides a collection of lessons and resources for K–12 social studies, literature, and arts classrooms that center around the experiences, achievements, and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across U.S. history.</p><p>Teaching AANHPI Heritage Month through these culturally responsive best practices enriches the learning experience for all students. By incorporating culturally responsive materials, adapting for accessibility, and fostering collaboration, special educators can create meaningful and inclusive learning environments. Let’s honor the diverse narratives of AANHPI communities and empower our students to appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that shape our world!</p><h3>Citations</h3><ol><li>Share My Lesson. (n.d.). <em>Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander heritage lesson plans</em>. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from <a href="https://sharemylesson.com/collections/aanhpi-heritage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://sharemylesson.com/collections/aanhpi-heritage</a>​<a href="https://sharemylesson.com/collections/aanhpi-heritage?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Share My Lesson</a></li><li>United Federation of Teachers. (n.d.). <em>Asian American and Pacific Islander teaching resources</em>. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from <a href="https://www.uft.org/teaching/classroom-resources/culturally-responsive-teaching-resources/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-teaching-resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.uft.org/teaching/classroom-resources/culturally-responsive-teaching-resources/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-teaching-resources</a>​</li><li>EDsitement. (n.d.). <em>Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and history in the U.S.</em> Retrieved April 14, 2025, from <a href="https://edsitement.neh.gov/teachers-guides/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-and-history-us%E2%80%8B" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://edsitement.neh.gov/teachers-guides/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-and-history-us​</a></li><li>The Asian American Foundation. (n.d.). <em>AAPI History Hub</em>. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from <a href="https://www.aapihistoryhub.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.aapihistoryhub.org/</a>​</li><li>Anti-Defamation League. (2024). <em>9 ideas for teaching Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month</em> [PDF]. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from <a href="https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/documents/2025-02/9%20Ideas%20for%20Teaching%20Asian%20American%20Pacific%20Islander%20Heritage%20Month-0225.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/documents/2025-02/9%20Ideas%20for%20Teaching%20Asian%20American%20Pacific%20Islander%20Heritage%20Month-0225.pdf</a>​<a href="https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/documents/2022-05/9-ideas-for-teaching-asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ADL</a></li></ol>

Resources and Best Practices for Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month

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