Latin America

Because of the growing Latino population in New England communities, many teachers have expressed interest in the peoples and cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean. As with all of its programs, Primary Source is committed to providing professional development that highlights the cultural diversity of the region as well as the many interactions Latin American countries have had with their North American neighbors.

Seminars 2009-2010

Visualizing Latin America: Cultural Diversity Through Art

One-day workshop
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: TBA
Date: October 21, 2009
PDPs/Credits: 5 PDPs
Fee: Partnership educators - no cost; Non-partnership educators - $125
Registration Information

What is Latin American art and what role does it play in society? How can we better understand the diversity of Latin America through the visual art produced in these countries? This one-day workshop will use art as a vehicle for discussing a variety of themes, including indigenous traditions, historical events, political change, and contemporary issues throughout the region. Participants will explore how artists respond to their surroundings through art, and how the visual arts can be used to introduce students to the richness of Latin America.

Suitable especially for educators in grades 9-12.

Cuba: History, Politics, and Culture

One-day workshop
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Primary Source
Date: March 4, 2010
PDPs/Credits: 5 PDPs
Fee: Partnership educators - no cost; Non-partnership educators - $125
Registration Information

This exciting new workshop will provide an introduction to Cuba and outline the historical trends that continue to shape this island nation. Elements of Cuba's social structure and popular culture will be considered as a means to examine the perceptions and realities of modern-day Cuba.

Lillian Guerra from Yale University will present "Cuban History and Politics: Roots of Radicalism in Cuba" and "Cuba's Two Embargoes."

Suitable especially for educators in grades 9-12.

Latin American Voices

Late afternoon book discussion group
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Primary Source
Dates: October 15, November 12, December 10, 2009; January 14, February 11, 2010
PDPs: 10 PDPs for the series
Fee: Partnership educators - no cost; Non-partnership educators - $125
Registration Information

Join our book discussion group as we explore literature from South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Sessions will include guest facilitators and ideas for classroom connections. Participants are responsible for bringing their own books to each meeting.

October 15
Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario

November 12
The Storyteller: A Novel by Mario Vargas Llosa

December 10
Wachale!: Poetry and Prose about Growing up Latino in America edited by Ilan Stavans

January 14
selections from A Hammock Beneath the Mangoes edited by Thomas Colchie

February 11
The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat

Suitable especially for educators in grades 8-12.

Registration Information

Partnership educators: Registration must be approved through your school district.

Please get in touch with your school district's Primary Source contact person and let them know which program(s) you are interested in. Upon approval from your district, Primary Source will contact you with instructions for online registration.

Non-partnership educators:

Space is limited. Please send your registration request to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Space permitting, retired educators are welcome to register for Primary Source seminars at a discount of 50% off the non-partner rate.

Registration deadline is Friday, September 25, 2009.