Summer Teacher Workshops | Exploring the Collection

2025 Teaching World War II Summer Teacher Workshops

Professional Development
K–12 educators are invited to apply to attend our 2025 Teaching World War II Summer Teacher Workshops.

 

2025 Teaching World War II Summer Teacher Workshops


K–12 educators are invited to apply to attend our 2025 Teaching World War II Summer Teacher Workshops. Classroom teachers, building master teachers, curriculum specialists, administrators, and preservice teachers are welcome! There are both Humanities and STEM workshops.

Objectives:

By the end of the week, educators will have a better understanding of World War II and the best strategies to use Museum resources to teach about the war. Additionally, educators will gain pedagogical tools to not only strengthen their teaching of World War II but also bring history/STEM alive for their students in new ways.

Additional Details:

There will be time to explore the Museum’s galleries as well as a field trip to support WWII learning. Free time is welcomed to be spent exploring the great City of New Orleans.

Educators will receive:

  • Airfare arranged by the Museum OR a reimbursement for travel if within driving distance
  • Transportation from and to the New Orleans airport if flying/paid parking if driving
  • Double-occupancy rooming at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center (across the street from the Museum) 
    *If educators would like a single-occupancy room, they may pay for half of the room rate.
  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 1 dinner
  • Curricula, books, and materials
  • Certificate of completion showing 40 hours of professional development

Educators who complete the workshop will be required to design and facilitate one professional development session on their own within the 2025–26 school year. More information will be given to those who are accepted.

Summer Teacher Workshops at the National WWII Museum
Summer Teacher Workshops at the National WWII Museum

2025 Workshop Topics:

Louisiana Teachers Academy


June 15–21, 2025

This workshop is designed exclusively for Louisiana educators. It will provide an in-depth look at the complexities and relevancy of World War II, paying close attention to what is covered in the 2022 K-12 Louisiana Student Standards for Social Studies.

Additionally, participants will learn how to implement Louisiana History Day in their classrooms and schools (requirement of participation).

Target Audience: Grades 8 and 11 social studies teachers in Louisiana

Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II


Dates: June 22–28, 2025

During World War II, more than 1.2 million African American men and women served in all branches of the US military and every theater of operations. They also fought political and social battles on the Home Front. This workshop examines the contributions of those on the battlefield and the Home Front as well as the history of the quest for Double Victory, which laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.

A special highlight of this workshop is the special exhibit on the topic that will be in the John Alario, Jr. Special Exhibition Gallery from November 2024 through July 2025, and a corresponding curriculum guide.

Target Audience: Grades 6–12 social studies teachers, English teachers, librarians (current or preservice)

STEM Innovations


July 13–19, 2025

Through this workshop, educators will develop a deeper understanding of World War II and will be able to implement the use of the STEM Innovations Curriculum (Little Engineers, Real World Science and STEM Corps Live!) into their own classrooms. This includes learning about the various roles African Americans played in STEM during the war.

Educators will spend time in whole groups sessions as well as in cohorts based on the grade band in which they teach (Little Engineers K–4, Real World Science 5–8, STEM Corps Live! 9–12).

Target Audience: K–12 science/technology/ engineering/math educators (current or preservice)

The Holocaust


July 20–26, 2025

This workshop focuses on the Holocaust through firsthand accounts and testimonies of child victims and survivors. Educators will examine the broader context of the Holocaust by understanding how it happened and recognizing its tragic legacy. There is an additional focus on the American liberators of the camps.

A special highlight of this workshop is the Liberation Pavilion, the Museum’s newest permanent exhibit space, and a newly published curriculum guide.

Target Audience: Grades 6–12 social studies teachers, English teachers, librarians (current or preservice)

Application Process

Applications for this program include information and questions on teaching experience and interest in the program. The application period opens October 28, 2024, and closes January 24, 2025.

Apply here

For questions, please email Sarah Wehlage, Assistant Director of Teacher Programs, at sarah.wehlage@nationalww2museum.org.