Every February, Americans celebrate Presidents’ Day 2025, a time to reflect on the values and leadership of past presidents. While it originally honored George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the holiday now recognizes all American leaders in history. It is a great opportunity for students to explore leadership and compassion, two qualities that shape strong leaders. This year, Presidents’ Day 2025 encourages students to learn from leaders like Jimmy Carter, who dedicated his presidency to education and global peace. His creation of the U.S. Department of Education and support for multilingual learners left a lasting impact.
Presidents’ Day 2025: A Time to Learn About Leadership
Presidents’ Day 2025 is more than a day off—it is a chance to study history and leadership. Many American leaders in history have shown that true leadership includes empathy and integrity. Leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt guided the country through difficult times. Their decisions were not only strategic but also compassionate. By learning about past presidents, students can see how leadership and compassion go hand in hand. They can also understand how great leaders use their influence to improve education, human rights, and global relationships.
A Legacy of Leadership and Education
Among modern presidents, Jimmy Carter’s achievements stand out. His leadership style was built on honesty and fairness. He worked to promote human rights and strengthen global peace. However, one of his greatest contributions was in education.
- Why Did Jimmy Carter Create the Department of Education? Many people ask, “Why did Jimmy Carter create the Department of Education?” The answer is simple: he believed education was the foundation of a strong nation. Before 1979, education policies were handled by multiple agencies. Carter saw the need for a dedicated department to improve public schools and ensure fair funding.
- How Jimmy Carter’s Education Policy Support Multilingual Learners? Another key aspect of Jimmy Carter’s education policy was inclusivity. He believed every child deserved access to quality education, no matter their background. His administration expanded programs for multilingual learners and strengthened bilingual education in the U.S. These policies helped students from diverse backgrounds succeed while maintaining their cultural identity.
Presidents’ Day Activities: Learning Through Leadership
Students can celebrate Presidents’ Day 2025 by engaging in activities that highlight leadership. Here are some effective Presidents’ Day activities to inspire learning:
- Research Projects: Students can explore how different presidents demonstrated leadership and compassion throughout history.
- Classroom Debates: Discuss the role of empathy in leadership and how it affects decision-making.
- Jimmy Carter Focus: Study Jimmy Carter’s achievements and how they continue to influence education today.
How Families Can Celebrate Presidents’ Day 2025
Parents and families have a unique opportunity to make Presidents’ Day 2025 more meaningful for children. Beyond school lessons, this holiday is a chance to discuss leadership, compassion, and how past presidents shaped the nation. Here are some ways families can bring these lessons to life:
- Storytelling and Discussions: Share inspiring stories of American leaders in history who led with compassion and integrity. Ask children what leadership qualities they admire and how they can apply them in their daily lives.
- Bilingual Learning Activities: If your family speaks multiple languages, explore bilingual education in the U.S. and discuss how learning different languages can strengthen leadership and communication skills.
- Community Service Projects: Encourage children to practice leadership and compassion by participating in a local service project, such as donating books to schools, writing letters to community leaders, or volunteering at a food bank.
- Movie or Book Night: Watch a documentary or read a book about a president, such as Jimmy Carter’s achievements in education and human rights. Discuss how he used leadership to make a positive impact.
How Leadership Lessons Apply to Students Today
The lessons of Presidents’ Day 2025 go beyond history books. They inspire students to lead with compassion, integrity, and inclusivity in their own lives. By studying American leaders in history, students learn how great leadership involves solving problems, supporting their communities, and making ethical decisions. These qualities are essential in today’s diverse and interconnected world.
For multilingual learners, these lessons are even more powerful. Leaders like Jimmy Carter championed bilingual education in the U.S., recognizing that language should never be a barrier to success. When students embrace their cultural and linguistic diversity, they become stronger leaders who bridge communication gaps and promote understanding. Presidents’ Day 2025 is a reminder that leadership means lifting others up, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring every voice is heard—no matter what language it is spoken in.
Conclusion
Presidents’ Day 2025 is a chance to reflect on the leadership values that shaped America. Jimmy Carter’s education policy, commitment to human rights, and focus on multilingual learners show that great leaders prioritize fairness. This holiday is a reminder that leadership is about more than power—it is about using influence to create a better future.
Written by Ibeth Muñoz
Curriculum & Instruction Specialist
Bilingual Bridges
