Herstory in the Classroom for English Language Learners

Herstory in the Classroom for English Language Learners

In 2017, we tailored our school program for newly arrived immigrant students at Hempstead High School on Long Island, creating a safe space to nurture their voices and develop tools for writing their personal journeys. Since then, we have expanded this work to newcomer students in elementary and middle schools.

Watch this 16-minute documentary about the program.

This program is designed for students most vulnerable to academic failure and dropping out. Despite the support available to them, newcomers’ voices are not often centered in their school experience, often leaving them feeling that they do not belong and unable to see themselves reflected in what they are being taught. Herstory enters the classroom to change that, sharing stories similar to their own written in past Herstory workshops while supporting students to reflect on, write, and share their life experiences with peers, teachers, and school professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and guidance counselors.

Our bilingual workshop facilitators, many of whom come from backgrounds similar to those of the students, work closely with teachers and school staff to foster a deeper sense of belonging and trust within the school community, alongside a growing confidence in each student’s ability to succeed academically.