Michigan State University's Asian Studies Center, in partnership with the National Consortium for Teaching About Asia (NCTA) at the University of Pittsburgh, hosted the Teaching Modern East Asia Summer Seminar from July 29 to August 2, 2024. This in-person, no-cost professional development opportunity brought together K-12 educators from across the region to explore the modern histories and cultures of China, Japan, and Korea.

The weeklong program included interactive lectures, engaging activities, and discussions with MSU faculty, all designed to help educators integrate East Asian content into a variety of subjects. Participants received a $300 stipend, $230 in classroom materials, the option to earn 30 SCECH hours (for Michigan teachers), and gained eligibility for future NCTA short courses and study tours. This enriching seminar equipped teachers with resources, content knowledge, and new strategies for bringing East Asia into their classrooms.

This interactive workshop invited educators to explore childhood experiences across Asia through the lens of children’s literature. Participants examined three featured books: Morning Sun in Wuhan (China), The Library Bus (Afghanistan), and Inside Out and Back Again (Vietnam/USA) to uncover cultural values, historical contexts, and character development.

Designed especially for K-6 educators but open to teachers of all grade levels, the workshop blended literary analysis with classroom-ready strategies. Attendees also received recommendations for age-appropriate nonfiction resources to support curriculum integration. This enriching session fostered cross-cultural understanding and provided practical tools for incorporating Asian perspectives into K-12 education.

Michigan State University's NCTA program previously brought educators together for engaging discussions centered around the artworks of Chinese artist Guanyu Xu and Korean artist Won Kim. The aim was to encourage dialogue on global issues and enhance understanding of art.

The program offered two workshops, allowing participants to attend one or both sessions with prior registration required. Michigan teachers had the opportunity to earn SCECHs for their participation.

Attendees of the August 9 session received complimentary materials and books, while the Zoom session on August 16 featured a special appearance by Guanyu Xu.