Educators Ensure 9/11 Lessons Remain Relevant for Today's Learners

Located 1,100 miles from the events of September 11, in West Des Moines, Iowa, history educator Ann Krois delves into one of the most pivotal occurrences of recent history.

"It's essential to educate students about this," Krois shared. "My goal is for them to truly grasp the experiences of the past generations, the shared global trauma, and the unity it inspired worldwide."

Krois recalls being a third-grader who had never seen a skyscraper when the attacks took place, with terrorists transforming aircraft into deadly tools, resulting in nearly 3,000 casualties — an event now part of the eleventh-grade curriculum for students like Fitz Carpenter.

"I discovered new information, too. I hadn’t known the number of people who were rescued via boats," Carpenter mentioned.

In her quest to enhance her curriculum, Krois joined a cohort of educators nationwide at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City this summer. This initiative aims to equip teachers with firsthand accounts from Ground Zero witnesses.

Among those sharing their experiences was retired firefighter Bill Spade, the only surviving member of Staten Island's elite Rescue 5, who was one of the last to exit the north tower before it succumbed.

"I recall the smoke rising from the North Tower," Spade recounted during an educational session. "I overheard the chief requesting more rescue teams, mentioning the jumpers."

Chris Theilacker from Alabama recalls a different narrative. At 25, on September 11, 2001, he was an Army officer sent to Iraq and Afghanistan following the events. Now a high school teacher, he imparts lessons on the global war on terrorism and the resilience that followed.

"It's a significant turning point in American history," Theilacker stated. "It deserves to be taught, encompassing both its patriotic and chaotic aspects. It's a remarkable example of our potential when united."

Krois believes that 9/11 instruction should be mandatory across the U.S.

"It's admittedly challenging to introduce this topic so early in the academic year, but it undoubtedly should be embedded within every state's standards," Krois emphasized.

Focus on America

Nicole Sganga serves as CBS News' homeland security and justice correspondent, based in Washington, D.C., contributing across all shows and platforms.

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