2025 Virtual Summer Institute for Teachers Day Two

In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, this session invites K–12 educators to explore what leadership meant during the war—and what it can mean in today’s classrooms. What does WWII leadership look like when taught to modern students? Hear from education professionals at presidential and military sites as they unpack the character, choices, and legacy of leaders like Nimitz, Eisenhower, Johnson, and Bush. Together, we’ll examine how these stories can help students think critically about leadership, civic responsibility, and the real-world impact of historical decisions.

By the end of this unit, students will be able to analyze and interpret the cultural significance of music and art during wartime, demonstrating how artistic expressions reflect societal experiences and perspectives across different communities.

This session aims to shed light on the contributions and experiences of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) during World War II and explore innovative ways to incorporate their stories into educational curricula through primary source documents and cross-curricular approaches. This session provides educators with the tools and strategies to bring the inspiring story of the WASPs into their classrooms, enriching students' learning experiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for the contributions of these pioneering women.

A demo lesson over hands on learning and STEM education that you can put into your everyday classroom as a way to engage your students.

Dive into a world of vibrant illumination with Glow Games, a professional development session that empowers educators to gamify history lessons using captivating black light and neon elements.

The Alamo has served as a crossroads for Texans dating back over 300 years. Join Alexander Rivard, the Alamo's Director of Education, to explore the full history of the Alamo through a series of historic maps and images that chronicle the site's history. The session will also include the most up-to-date information on the Alamo Plan - the unprecedented, $550 million-dollar redevelopment of the site.

The Quizizz platform to explore ways to challenge and assess student knowledge while keeping to the new testing format. Download this document and explore!

In these bonus videos, we take you up close with two iconic vehicles of the Pacific War: the nimble American M3A1 Stuart Light Tank and the Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go. Learn how each was designed, what it could (and couldn’t) do, and the very different battlefield roles they played. Perfect for sparking student curiosity, this deep dive shows how machines can tell powerful human stories about strategy, innovation, and survival.

Discover the incredible story of Jane Kendeigh, the trailblazing nurse who became the first woman to serve as a flight nurse in a combat zone during WWII. This webinar highlights her courage evacuating wounded Marines from Iwo Jima and Okinawa, offering educators a powerful way to discuss service, gender roles, and medical innovation in wartime. Perfect for sparking student conversations about bravery beyond the battlefield and the evolving role of women in the military.