Our hearts go out to all the people in Ukraine during these frightening days. Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis and puts Democracy at risk, as well as exacerbates an environmental crisis. If you are looking for resources to help people in Ukraine, check out these NPR’s “Want to Support the People in Ukraine? Here’s How You Can Help” and Global Citizen’s “20 Meaningful Ways You Can Help Ukraine.” We send our support to all the educators in Ukraine who are part of the NAAEE family, and all of the people of their country.

As educators, we can help people understand the impact of war on people and the planet, and the role democracy can play in creating a more just and sustainable future. We can also help people understand that crises like these are humanitarian crises, causing human displacement and cutting off access to basic resources and education. Below are some perspectives and resources to help educators discuss what is happening in Ukraine, as well as conflicts around the world.

It is hard to teach about conflicts that are in other countries. In this EdWeek article, “Why the Russia-Ukraine Crisis is Relevant to Teachers,” Sarah Schwartz explains why international relations can be hard to teach, but why it is important to do so, and especially in a way that provides multiple perspectives. These are human issues, not just governmental or military.

According to Richard Haas, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, the crisis is an opportunity to connect something happening across the world with a young person in the United States: “In order to be an informed citizen, one needs to be globally literate. One needs to understand why the world matters, how it works, how foreign policy affects the world.” Check out curriculum resources on Model Diplomacy by the Council on Foreign Relations.

Read the full article about teaching about humanitarian crises by Stacie Pierpoint at NAAEE.