For more than four centuries, the plays and poems attributed to Shakespeare have been read, performed, and studied around the world. They remain central to literature classrooms because they continue to speak powerfully to enduring human questions. This Teacher Resources page offers lesson ideas, classroom materials, and links to scholarship and NEH-supported projects designed to help teachers bring Shakespeare’s language, history, and drama to life for students.

At the same time, teachers may be aware of the long-standing Shakespeare Authorship Question, sometimes described as one of literature’s great historical mysteries. Many classrooms do not have time to explore this complex debate in detail while also studying a play. 

The Teacher Resources here do offer long and short lessons on the subject, but sometimes simply acknowledging that the question exists can be enough to encourage curiosity and critical thinking.

A brief comment might spark interest: 

“Before we begin this play, you should know there has long been debate about who wrote the works attributed to Shakespeare. Some believe the name ’Shakespeare’ was the pseudonym, or pen name, of a hidden author who for some reason could not use his own name. We won’t be studying that question here, but it’s something you may wish to explore on your own.” 

As teachers, planting a seed of wonder may be enough, and all the materials you need to cultivate that curiosity can be found here.