Introducing a FREE Texas History CPE Course
The San Antonio Living History Association has developed this first TEA-approved CPE course for Texas history educators. Titled Tejano Contributions to the Texas Revolution: San Antonio's Role in Shaping History through Living History and Material Culture, this SALHA educational pilot project has been made possible by support from the Educational Grants Program of the San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation.
This initial CPE course presentation is being offered free to Texas history teachers who register for the October 30th and November 15th, 2025, course sessions of SALHA's first CPE Tejano course. Full 8 hours accreditation will be awarded to all registered Texas history educators who complete the CPE course requirements.
Tejano Contributions to the Texas Revolution
Teacher Professional Development Course
Tejano Contributions to the Texas Revolution: San Antonio's Role in Shaping History through Living History and Material Culture
This 8-hour CPE course provides educators with a dynamic, hands-on exploration of Tejano contributions to the Texas Revolution, emphasizing the significance of San Antonio during the conflict. The course integrates living history elements with a focus on material culture—artifacts, clothing, tools, and weapons—used by Tejanos and other figures involved in the Revolution.
- Course Duration: 8 hours of CPE credit
- Format: Zoom session + Field craft session
- Schedule: October 30, 2025 (Zoom) & November 15, 2025 (Historical Tour & Field Session)
- Introductory Course - Registration is FREE for Texas history teachers
- Target Audience: K-12 educators teaching Texas history
- K–12 educators teaching social studies, history, and Texas history
- Teachers seeking to incorporate living history and material culture into their classrooms
- Educators interested in creating immersive classroom experiences
- Teachers wanting to explore Tejano contributions to the Texas Revolution
- Understand the significant contributions of Tejanos to the Texas Revolution and their impact on the course of events.
- Examine the role of San Antonio during the Texas Revolution, focusing on key battles and historical events.
- Explore material culture from the period, including clothing, weapons, tools, and artifacts used by Tejanos and others involved in the Revolution.
- Learn how to incorporate living history and material culture into lessons to engage students with Texas history.
- Gain skills in using primary sources and artifacts to create immersive and interactive classroom experiences.
- Apply TEKS standards for teaching history while emphasizing cultural inclusivity and diverse perspectives in the classroom.
- Earn 8 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit
- Gain hands-on experience with living history techniques
- Develop skills in using material culture for classroom instruction
- Create lesson plans incorporating TEKS-aligned historical content
- Build a portfolio of engaging Texas history teaching materials
- Total Time Commitment: 8 hours of direct instruction (4 hours Zoom + 4 hours Field Session)
- Format: Hybrid - Virtual Zoom session followed by hands-on field craft session
- Includes: Interactive demonstrations, hands-on artifact exploration, lesson plan development, and peer collaboration
- Materials: Course materials provided, participants receive certificate of completion
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Zoom Session (4 hours):
- Introduction to the Texas Revolution and Tejano Contributions: Overview of the Texas Revolution and Tejano involvement, focusing on key Tejano figures and their impact. Exploration of San Antonio's central role in battles, military strategies, and the political climate of the Revolution.
- Exploring Material Culture: Virtual examination of period-specific artifacts, including Tejano clothing (charro attire, traditional dress), weapons (muskets, knives, sabers), and tools used during the Revolution.
- Teaching Methods Discussion: Strategies for integrating living history and material culture into K-12 classrooms. How to use artifacts, images, and virtual resources to create an interactive, engaging curriculum.
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Field Craft Session (4 hours):
- Living History Demonstrations: Participants will handle and explore replicas of period-specific artifacts such as Tejano clothing, weapons, and everyday tools.
- Material Culture Integration: Teachers will work in groups to develop lesson plans that incorporate field craft experiences and material culture into history lessons.
- Group Discussions and Lesson Plan Development: Participants will collaboratively develop lesson plans that incorporate living history and material culture.
- Written Reflection: A short reflective essay on how the use of material culture and living history will enhance classroom practices.
- Formative Quiz: A quiz covering the historical content, key figures, and material culture related to Tejano participation in the Texas Revolution.
Participant feedback will be collected through an evaluation form. A certificate of completion and 8 CPE hours will be awarded to all participants.
- October 30, 2025 – Zoom Session (6:00 to 8:00PM with a break): Virtual Zoom Meeting and independent work focused on lectures, readings, and discussions.
- November 15, 2025 – Historical Tour (9:30 to 11:30AM, lunch break, followed by a Field Craft Session from 1:30 to 3:30PM): Guided tour of historic sites significant to San Antonio's founding history. The tour visits Main Plaza/Plaza de las Islas Canarias, San Fernando Cathedral, and the Spanish Governors Palace. At the Casa Navarro State Historic Site, the Field Craft Session will include hands-on lessons such as making adobe bricks and a flintlock arms demonstration.
Course Registration
This introductory CPE course is being offered FREE to Texas history teachers!
Complete the registration form to enroll in the Tejano Contributions CPE course:
SALHA Tejano CPE Course Registration →
Full 8 hours of CPE accreditation will be awarded to all registered Texas history educators who complete the course requirements for both the October 30th and November 15th, 2025 sessions.