Teacher Conference on the Study of Korea and the Korean War
On February 17, 2025, 105 pre-service teachers, classroom educators, and university faculty gathered at Tarleton State University’s Fort Worth campus for the Teacher Conference on the Study of Korea and the Korean War. This full-day, immersive professional development event provided attendees with interdisciplinary tools and resources to deepen their understanding of Korea’s historical and contemporary significance. The conference featured a diverse range of sessions, including analyzing the American home front during the war, exploring North Korean propaganda, and examining Korean War representations in art and literature. Participants also engaged in a powerful veteran interview, offering firsthand insights into the war’s lasting impact, and explored a comprehensive Korean War veteran interview archive to enhance classroom instruction with authentic voices and primary sources.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers Today
The Teacher Conference on the Study of Korea and the Korean War provided pre-service teachers with a transformative professional learning experience. Immersed in historical inquiry and interdisciplinary exploration, these future educators engaged with veterans’ stories, art, primary sources, and scholarly perspectives that deepened their content knowledge and sparked critical reflection. The conference not only broadened their understanding of Korea’s global significance but also modeled powerful strategies for bringing complex history into the classroom. For many, it was a pivotal moment in their development as educators.