With the passage of the 2021 TEAACH Act — Illinois being the first state to do so — this presentation provides an introductory understanding of why Asian American history is US history.  It will explain why the TEAACH Act addresses a major absence in school curriculum,  and share the demographics of the Asian American community and key anti-Asian tropes and their impact throughout history.   It will pivot to classroom application by highlighting pedagogical principles and resources on the Asias Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago’s TEAACH webpage, including its professional development workshop freely available to Illinois educators. Esther Hurh of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago will lead the session. A virtual link will be sent out prior to the registration date. Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event.