AWTT Lesson Plans & Resources
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) curated resource pages and lesson plans 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. They contextualize important issues and guide students as they explore concerns important to them in their communities and world and share their work with real audiences in meaningful ways.
School becomes relevant as students generate powerful connections between history and their lives. They learn about real people, not superheroes. They learn that, individually and collaboratively, each of us, with dedication, persistence, and courage, can effect change.
Incorporated into the curriculum, these resources and lessons may be used separately or as a unit of learning activities.
Discover the values that guide AWTT portrait subjects to act as engaged and courageous citizens and how to build bridges between the classroom and important issues affecting students’ lives.
Every student can be an activist – someone with the courage to act for social, economic, and environmental fairness.
It’s their moment!
“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

Who are the AWTT portrait subjects?
Get to know Americans Who Tell the Truth (AWTT) portrait subjects.

What are Truth Teller Characteristics?
Help students identify characteristics of a truth teller and create community portrait subject list.

Who is your favorite American Who Tells the Truth?
In depth exploration of an American Who Tells the Truth portrait subject – background, motivation, and actions.

What are your artistic talents?
Creatively share your in depth research of one American Who Tells the Truth.

What is a turning point?
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 the class’s findings.

Who are your community’s Truth Tellers?
Find, interview, and celebrate your community’s truth tellers.

Taking to the Streets or to the Halls of Your School
Ask people in your community to identify their truth tellers and share your results.

Environmental Justice Resources
Help your students delve deeper into their questions about environmental justice.