AWTT Lesson Plans

AWTT Lesson Plans help students

  • learn about Americans Who Tell the Truth portrait subjects
  • engage in finding solutions for real world problems
  • connect with community and truth-telling role models

Americans Who Tell the Truth (AWTT) lessons show both how history shapes our lives and how students can be active citizens who work for the common good as they deepen their understanding of the world and move from art to action. Incorporated into the curriculum, they may be used as individual lessons or as a unit of learning activities.

AWTT lessons provide the following:

  • an opportunity for teachers and students to learn about Americans Who Tell the Truth (AWTT) portrait subjects 
  • discovery of the values that guide AWTT portrait subjects  to act as engaged and courageous citizens
  • a process for  building  bridges between the classroom and important issues affecting students’ lives
  • approaches for using the creative arts to highlight AWTT stories and actions
  • ways to find and showcase truth tellers in local communities

“Through AWTT we are able to look at issues and values, freedom and democracy, human rights and public health, access to education and issues of equity, equality, sustainability, restoration and regeneration at both micro and macro levels — locally, nationally and globally — with absolutely inspiring art to boot!”

Steve Ritz

South Bronx Educator
Lesson Topics
Lesson Types
Find a portrait subject’s “turning point”, create art to represent this moment, the issue, and your chosen truth teller. Create an exhibit to showcase

Learn More About Educational Lessons, Programs, and AWTT Consulting Opportunities

We are here to help. Contact us to learn more about using AWTT portraits and lessons in your classroom. If you have an idea for a lesson using these portraits, please share it with us and see if we can help provide additional resources. 

Bring Americans Who Tell the Truth (AWTT) original portraits to your community.