Herstory in the Classroom's Impact

According to high school teachers, students engaged in Herstory in the Classroom develop confidence in their academic abilities as they demonstrate greater mastery of their literacy skills. This leads to more engagement in their learning and academic growth in social studies, ENL, ELA and math.

High school teachers and counselors also report that students exhibit greater self-confidence and sense of self-efficacy. “I have noticed that students believe in themselves. They take notice that the adults that are with them, the adults that speak to them, and the adults that teach them are noticing them,” says Kellie McClaurin, principal of Nassau BOCES Twilight Program for alternative education.

School counselors supporting vulnerable and trauma-impacted students find Herstory to be an invaluable tool. “I have witnessed transformation. I have witnessed lives being saved,” says one of the school counselors. “Through my involvement with Herstory I feel like I am beginning to make more strides in my quest to help my students. For that I am eternally grateful.”

High school students feel empowered by Herstory’s workshops:

Hector says: “This class is different from other classes because this class teaches you about life and how you should live it without shame and unnecessary sadness and to express yourself towards other people. It has changed me verbally, before I was very embarrassed and nervous to talk to other people and now I express myself better with people and I am not as shy.”

Edwin says: “I didn’t think I had anything to talk about, now I see that I do!”

And Gladys says: “I like that I can share the story of my family and the struggles we have with my brother and his cerebral palsy. It makes me feel good to teach people about him.”