The California History Teachers Academy

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Teaching California history can be complicated.

We all know that 4th graders in California study the history of their state. And there is so much to learn: from Native tribes to missions, agriculture to government — all in one school year.

And California has multiple standards for history and social studies that have to be to fulfilled. If you are a teacher, you know it takes precious time and energy to find resources and activities for each topic.

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You have a lot on your plate.

Teaching California history and social studies can be stressful if you don’t have good materials at your fingertips. And textbooks often leave much to be desired.

Whether it is searching for activities on the internet or teacher-to-teacher websites, it takes time away from the other things you have to do as a teacher — including having space for yourself and your family.

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I can help.

I’m Dr. Damian Bacich, and I’m a professor, translator and researcher of early California. I’ve spent years teaching future teachers about our state’s rich history.

A few years ago my friends started asking me to help supplement what their children were learning at school, so I started the California Frontier Project. Through my website and podcast I provide well-researched and accessible information all about California’s history and cultures.

Soon I began traveling around to elementary schools, giving talks to 4th grade classes. I saw some of the struggles good teachers had — too much to cover and not enough time.

I realized good information wasn’t good enough.

So I decided to use my passion and knowledge to actually make high-quality, no prep, grade appropriate materials for California history and social studies. Materials that could save teachers time and lower their stress.

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You don’t have to be the expert

I have created well-researched and accessible history and social studies resources that will keep students engaged — while fulfilling state content standards.

Save yourself the effort of coming up with new materials each week. Our resources are all ready for download and use.

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It’s all done for you.

• Slide presentation
• Teacher background text 
• Content standard alignment statement
• Grade level text to accompany the slide presentation
• Reading comprehension activity (fill-in-the-blanks)
• Multiple choice quiz

Bonus materials include:

• Guides to all 21 California missions
• California Mission Project
• Guides to California’s Native American tribes
• California Native American Project
• Timelines
• Maps

…and more.

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Native American teaching resources

Knowing about California’s first peoples is key to understanding its rich history. But finding good quality resources can be a challenge. You can easily spend hours searching the internet only to come up with just a few useful facts.

I draw on the best academic sources to provide grade appropriate, culturally respectful Native American materials. Our content library currently has information on 19 tribal groups, and the list is growing.

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California mission resources

California’s Spanish missions are some of the most iconic features of it’s history. They represent the crossroads of Native American, Latin American and European cultures. And they continue to be important spiritual centers and tourist destinations.

I have worked hard to provide well-researched resources about all 21 of California’s Spanish missions, as well as the people who founded, built and lived in them, with new materials added all the time.

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Honoring diverse people and cultures

California’s history is made up of the unique stories of individuals, families and communities, from indigenous peoples to settlers and immigrants from all over the world.

And we recognize that some aspects of California history have become hotly debated and often politically charged.

Our materials seek to recognize the contributions of people of multiple cultures, religions and ethnicities in making California what it is, in a way that not divisive or offensive, but respectful of all people.

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Increase your own knowledge

The California Frontier Academy also offers regular opportunities for online workshops, trainings and informal Q&As for educators and parents.

Members can access video and audio recordings as they become available, all included in the price of enrollment.

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A growing resource library

For many years I have collected materials about California’s fascinating history and culture, from photos and illustrations to articles, brochures and maps of historic sites. And I continue to scan and upload them (of course being careful to respect copyright laws).

As a member, you will have access to these materials for your own use in your classes.

Download thoughtfully-designed materials that will keep students engaged while fulfilling California content standards.