As an educator, I get excited about Hispanic Heritage Month every year. It is a chance to be intentional about connecting with who I am, where I come from, and what my background means to me. Providing this opportunity to Hispanic and Latine students can be a meaningful way for schools and communities to recognize and celebrate cultural heritage. (for more information on the term Latine check out these articles here, here, and here.) Encouraging students to share who they are and what their identity means to them can instill confidence and appreciation for their personal stories. In a world where students receive a variety of messages about their backgrounds, educators have the opportunity to create a classroom environment that values and respects all students.
Impact of Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Growing up, I was one of the only Latine students in my school, and Hispanic Heritage Month was rarely acknowledged. Similarly, in my professional career, I’ve often been the only Latine educator or one of very few. The absence of representation from my own teachers and the lack of discussion about my cultural background had a lasting impact on me. I didn’t see my experiences reflected in my teachers or classroom discussions. I never had the opportunity to learn about or share aspects of my heritage in school. Being different often felt isolating, and I knew that once I became an educator, I wanted to create a different experience for my students.
Heritage months provide an opportunity for students to see their histories and cultural contributions recognized in the classroom. They also offer the entire school community a chance to learn and engage with different perspectives. Hispanic Heritage Month is one way to highlight these contributions and invite conversations that help students feel seen and valued.
I will never forget what it felt like to grow up in a space where aspects of my background weren’t reflected in my education. Now, as an educator, I want to ensure that students in the classrooms I work in have opportunities to share and explore their cultures. Heritage months can be a valuable way to facilitate learning and encourage meaningful discussions.
Hispanic Heritage Month Dos & Don’ts for educators:
- > DO ask your Hispanic/Latine students if they would like to share aspects of their background before putting them on the spot.
- > DON’T assume students’ identities—you may not always know who identifies as Hispanic/Latine. There is a wide range of backgrounds and experiences within the Latine community! If relevant, ask students how they identify before making assumptions.
- > DO encourage your school to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month in a way that aligns with its community values. This could include a school-wide presentation on historical figures, guest speakers sharing their experiences, or offering students a platform to share their own cultural connections if they feel comfortable.
- > DON’T use cultural symbols or artifacts in a performative way. Rather than relying on stereotypical decorations, focus on learning and listening to authentic perspectives throughout the month.
About the author:
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! I’m Jessica Garcia, a Program Manager here at The Educator Academy. Before joining staff at The Educator Academy, I taught 5th, 6th, and 7th grade ELA and Humanities in both New York City & Kansas City. I began my teaching journey in New York City before moving home to Kansas City in 2019 to be closer to my family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support educators and students in my hometown.