Social justice education plays a crucial role in creating a more equitable society. It can help students understand and challenge inequities, promote empathy, and inspire them to take action for positive change. In this article, we will explore 15 of the best resources available online for free social justice lesson plans, activities, and more.

1. Teaching Tolerance: A project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Teaching Tolerance offers a wide range of free resources, including lesson plans, webinars, and classroom activities that promote social justice and diversity education.

2. Learning for Justice: Formerly known as “Teaching Tolerance,” Learning for Justice provides educators with a wealth of resources to engage students in social justice topics. Their website includes lesson plans, student texts, and professional development opportunities.

3. EdChange Global: EdChange Global offers free social justice lesson plans that cover various topics, including race, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights. These resources aim to challenge students’ thinking and inspire them to become agents of change.

4. Rethinking Schools: Rethinking Schools is a nonprofit publisher focused on educational equity and social justice. Their website features free teaching resources that encourage critical thinking and activism.

5. Zinn Education Project: Named after historian Howard Zinn, the Zinn Education Project provides free materials and resources to teach students about people’s history and social movements. Their curriculum challenges traditional narratives and emphasizes the grassroots impact of social justice movements.

6. Teaching for Change: Teaching for Change offers free resources such as lesson plans, articles, and booklists that promote social justice and equitable education. They provide materials for diverse subjects and grade levels.

7. Facing History and Ourselves: Facing History and Ourselves provides educators with resources and professional development opportunities that explore historical events and their connection to contemporary issues. Their materials aim to promote critical thinking, empathy, and responsible decision-making.

8. Amnesty International Education: Amnesty International has a dedicated education section that offers free teaching resources on human rights and social justice. These materials can help create inclusive and globally aware classrooms.

9. PBS LearningMedia: PBS LearningMedia provides an extensive collection of educational resources, including lesson plans and videos, on various social justice topics. Their materials are designed to engage students and encourage dialogue.

10. Harvard Graduate School of Education: The Harvard Graduate School of Education offers free online courses and resources for educators interested in promoting social justice and equity in their classrooms. Their resources cover a wide range of topics and grade levels.

11. Alberta Teachers’ Association: The Alberta Teachers’ Association website features a collection of social justice lesson plans for Canadian educators. These resources address important topics such as Indigenous rights, anti-racism, and environmental justice.

12. Teaching Channel: Teaching Channel offers a variety of videos and lesson plans that promote social justice in the classroom. Educators can find inspiration and practical ideas for fostering inclusive learning environments.

13. National Civil Rights Museum: The National Civil Rights Museum provides online resources and lesson plans that explore the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. These materials can be used to facilitate discussions on social justice and equality.

14. Share My Lesson: Share My Lesson is an online platform that allows educators to share and access free lesson plans, activities, and resources. Their website features a dedicated section on social justice education.

15. The Advocates for Human Rights: The Advocates for Human Rights offers free resources for educators interested in incorporating human rights into their curriculum. Their materials explore various social justice issues and include interactive activities.

These 15 resources provide a wealth of free social justice lesson plans, activities, and more for educators looking to foster inclusive and equitable classrooms. By incorporating these materials into their teaching, educators can empower students to become active participants in creating a more just and fair society.