2026 In-Person Summer Institute for Teachers

Join the National Museum of the Pacific War for its 4th Annual Summer Institute for Teachers!
This immersive five-day professional development program, held July 6–10, 2026, offers educators a unique opportunity to explore the history and lasting legacy of the Pacific War while connecting it to today’s classrooms.

For the first time, SIT will take place alongside the museum’s newly renovated George H.W. Bush Gallery, offering participants an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at state-of-the-art exhibits and resources. Building on the momentum of America 250, this institute will highlight innovative ways to bring stories of leadership, resilience, and history into your classroom.

Participants will:

  • Engage in expert-led sessions featuring cross-curricular lessons, primary sources, and artifact-based learning.

  • Participate in hands-on workshops designed to spark creativity and critical thinking.

  • Experience behind-the-scenes tours and immersive activities, connecting educators directly with the museum’s world-class collections.

  • Join lunch-and-learn sessions with museum professionals (lunch included Monday–Thursday).

  • Build a comprehensive teaching toolkit with lessons, activities, and resources aligned with National Standards and TEKS.

  • Network with fellow educators, sharing best practices and strategies for tackling complex historical topics.

The 2026 Summer Institute promises a dynamic, multifaceted exploration of the Pacific War and its connections to broader themes of freedom, leadership, and citizenship. Educators will walk away with fresh insights, classroom-ready tools, and inspiring experiences to share with their students.

Detailed schedule coming soon!

  • Monday: 5:00pm Night at the Museum-Session #1: Pacific War Timeline
  • Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00-5:00
  • Friday-9:00-12:00

Upon completion, teachers will receive a certificate and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours through the Texas Education Agency (TEA # 902-759). Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching of World War II and its lasting significance in this milestone year!

Want to suggest a topic, presenter or experience for 2026? Click HERE

Need a little help convincing your school or organization to attend? Use our handy customizable template below!

Click Here for the Convince Your Supervisor Template

Registration Information

In-Person Dates: July 6th-July 10th

Space is limited and registration is required. You can register for the full Summer Institute for Teachers, or purchase daily passes to attend specific days that best suit your schedule. Tuition includes daily sessions, museum tours, workshops, daily refreshments, lunch, and a toolkit containing lesson plans, activities, and supplementary resources.

Tuition: Full Week Registration

  • $200 per person (Early bird special. Deal ends May 1, 2026)
  • $250 per person (After May 1, 2026)
  • $125 per person (Membership pricing)

Tuition: Daily Pass

  • $40 per person (Early bird special. Deal ends May 1, 2026)
  • $50 per person (After March 7th, 2025)
  • $25 per person (Membership pricing)

For information on reduced rates at the Sunday House Inn and Suites, contact Kyna Stys at kstys@nimitzfoundation.org.

Register Here!

2026 Virtual Summer Institute for Teachers

The virtual institute is a fully online professional development program designed to make this experience accessible to educators everywhere. Building on the energy of America 250, this self-paced program provides teachers with innovative tools and fresh approaches to connect the history and legacy of the Pacific War to today’s classrooms.

Over the course of the program, social studies educators (particularly those teaching 5th–12th grade) will engage in:

  • Online sessions exploring the Pacific War, featuring cross-curricular lessons and classroom-ready resources.

  • Digital learning experiences that deepen knowledge of World War II in the Pacific and its lasting global impact.

  • Interactive virtual networking and discussions to share ideas, strategies, and best practices with peers nationwide.

All lessons are aligned with National Standards and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Teachers who complete the institute will receive a certificate of completion and 10 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours through the Texas Education Agency (TEA #902-759).

Details:

  • Dates: August 3, 2026 (Self-paced program with one month to complete)

  • Cost: $50

  • Registration includes workshops, digital programs, lesson plans, supplementary resources, and access to daily interactive sessions.

  • Educators with a museum membership receive additional benefits. To learn more about Teacher Memberships, contact membership@nimitzfoundation.org


Register Here!

Scholarship Opportunities

Limited scholarships are available for teachers needing tuition assistance.

Teacher Institute Scholarship Application

If applicable please fill in the grade level or subject matter you teach