prohuman k-12 Curriculum
Learning character through literature.
The Prohuman Approach
Every person is a unique individual, united by our shared humanity. Educators serve a vital role in teaching this truth, and in nurturing the character strengths and civic virtues we need to flourish together.
Optimism, Grit, and Gratitude make resilient individuals—embracing challenges, staying hopeful, and persisting to build a foundation for personal growth and lifelong success.
Curiosity, Courage, and Compassion empower individuals to form deep, meaningful relationships, strengthening bonds and creating supportive networks for thriving communities.
Fairness, Understanding, and Humanity strengthen society through shared civic virtues, building a vibrant culture, united in recognition of the inherent dignity of every person.
The lessons
The Prohuman Curriculum is a free, flexible program combining English Language Arts (ELA), Character Education, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). It promotes constructive dialogue, civic engagement, and global perspectives through virtuous exemplars and core texts, addressing tough topics with hope and humanity.
Browse LESSONS
What Teachers Are Saying
Nationwide, educators are bringing the Prohuman character strengths to their classrooms and communities while meeting Common Core ELA Standards and CSED National Guidelines—for free.
Nick D'Amuro
Coordinator of Instructional Services, Genessee Value BOCES
As an instructional coordinator for social studies, I often work with educators who are seeking meaningful ways to offer their students a civic narrative—one that resonates across diverse backgrounds and interests. This is not a repackaged, old-school character curriculum. The Prohuman Foundation provided us with compelling figures and character exemplars that young citizens can genuinely aspire to. Grounded in the well-supported idea that the human brain learns effectively through storytelling, the Prohuman Curriculum weaves together social-emotional learning (SEL) and civic virtues in powerful and relevant ways. I enthusiastically recommend it to all educators I support—especially at a time when fostering empathy, character, and engaged citizenship is more important than ever.
Dana Fereshetian
Third Grade Teacher, Hillsborough Elementary
I’ve taught 3rd grade for a decade, and the Prohuman Curriculum stands out for its practicality and impact. Lessons like ‘Writing an Opinion Piece About Humanity’ are easy to prep, with clear procedures and worksheets that keep students engaged. My class loved discussing fairness through Sylvia Mendez’s story, and their writing showed deeper thinking. The curriculum’s Common Core alignment saves me planning time, while the character focus—grit, compassion, understanding—helps my students grow as people. It’s a reliable, effective resource I trust.
Victor Stekoll
Social Studies Teacher, Green Acres School
What the Prohuman Foundation has created is very impressive! This curriculum has a good balance . . . of literary classics, history, philosophy, and even spiritual lessons. It has a great blend of geographic locations and time periods, as well. One of my goals in teaching social studies for so many years was to explain US and global history since 1900 such that students could understand how we got where we are today. This you also accomplished with your stories and videos of Jim Crow, the two world wars, communism, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the increasing inequality in the world.
Nick D'Amuro
Coordinator of Instructional Services, Genessee Value BOCES
As an instructional coordinator for social studies, I often work with educators who are seeking meaningful ways to offer their students a civic narrative—one that resonates across diverse backgrounds and interests. This is not a repackaged, old-school character curriculum. The Prohuman Foundation provided us with compelling figures and character exemplars that young citizens can genuinely aspire to. Grounded in the well-supported idea that the human brain learns effectively through storytelling, the Prohuman Curriculum weaves together social-emotional learning (SEL) and civic virtues in powerful and relevant ways. I enthusiastically recommend it to all educators I support—especially at a time when fostering empathy, character, and engaged citizenship is more important than ever.
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Victor Stekoll
Social Studies Teacher, Green Acres School
What the Prohuman Foundation has created is very impressive! This curriculum has a good balance . . . of literary classics, history, philosophy, and even spiritual lessons. It has a great blend of geographic locations and time periods, as well. One of my goals in teaching social studies for so many years was to explain US and global history since 1900 such that students could understand how we got where we are today. This you also accomplished with your stories and videos of Jim Crow, the two world wars, communism, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the increasing inequality in the world.
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Dan Heath
Fourth Grade Teacher, Readfield Elementary
The clear structure and engaging activities make it easy to weave character strengths like gratitude and fairness into our ELA lessons. My students are not just better readers and writers—they’re kinder, more thoughtful people. I can’t recommend this curriculum enough!
Bill Thompson
Instructional Coordinator, MLK Memorial Middle School
The gratitude tour around our school was a highlight—students shared heartfelt sentences about their friends and classroom. The curriculum’s alignment with CSED standards ensures I’m building character alongside literacy skills. It’s structured yet flexible, making it a perfect fit for young learners
Dana Fereshetian
Third Grade Teacher, Hillsborough Elementary
I’ve taught 3rd grade for a decade, and the Prohuman Curriculum stands out for its practicality and impact. Lessons like ‘Writing an Opinion Piece About Humanity’ are easy to prep, with clear procedures and worksheets that keep students engaged. My class loved discussing fairness through Sylvia Mendez’s story, and their writing showed deeper thinking. The curriculum’s Common Core alignment saves me planning time, while the character focus—grit, compassion, understanding—helps my students grow as people. It’s a reliable, effective resource I trust."
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Lonnie Crowe
Fifth Grade Teacher, Riverside Day School
The Prohuman Curriculum is a slam dunk! My 5th graders at Riverside loved exploring grit through Ruby Bridges’ story and writing narratives about courage. It’s easy to teach, hits Common Core standards, and builds character—my kids are more resilient and expressive. This is how you grow great humans!
Jenny Lo
Superintendent, Crest Valley Schools
Our staff appreciates the clear worksheets and procedures. They are saving planning time while delivering measurable literacy gains. Parents have noticed their kids’ growth in kindness and confidence. The Prohuman Curriculum is a key component of our mission to develop well-rounded, thoughtful learners.