What’s in a name? From James Gatz to Jay Gatsby and from Gogol to Nikhil–high school language arts teacher, Sima Kumar, will walk through how immigration policies created the zeitgeist of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s celebrated novel about the Roaring Twenties and a contemporary work The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. These historical policies are reflected in the language used to tell each narrative and in the actions of each protagonist, such as in their choice of name. This pairing of texts highlights the competing discourses of white supremacy and pluralism found not only in American literature but also in our society today. Attendees will explore themes of identity, assimilation, and the American Dream and leave with a copy of a lesson plan and access to educator resources. This session is ideal for middle school and high school ELA teachers.

Sima Kumar is a New Jersey educator, mother, a founding member of The E Pluribus Unum Project (TEPUP), who testified at the Assembly and Senate Education Committee meeting in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander curriculum mandate. Governor Murphy signed the bill into law on January 18, 2022. Kumar leads professional development seminars that highlight a pluralistic approach to teaching and learning.

Free and open to all. Professional development hours awarded.

This event is brought to you by Teach Asian American Stories and AAPI New Jersey.