2024 Teachers Conference Presentation Proposal

Conference Theme

"WWII: Coming Home"

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‍Conference Overview

The 2025 Summer Teachers’ Conference, Coming Home, commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II. This milestone event will examine how World War II transformed the United States, focusing on the profound shifts in society, economy, and culture during and after the war. Central to this exploration is the transition of veterans from wartime service to peacetime roles, highlighting the personal and societal challenges they faced.

Educators are invited to design presentations around key themes, including the transformative influence of the GI Bill on returning veterans; the challenges and evolving understanding of combat fatigue (now recognized as PTSD); the post-war community contributions of the Greatest Generation; and the ways in which the sacrifices and service of WWII veterans have been honored and remembered.

This conference seeks to equip educators with tools, strategies, and resources to delve into the multifaceted transformation of America during this pivotal period, ensuring future generations appreciate the enduring legacy of World War II.

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Conference Objectives

The War as a Catalyst for Change

• Examine how WWII transformed America from an isolationist nation to a global leader.
• Explore the profound changes in American society, including the shifting roles of women, minorities, and immigrants during the war.

Economic and Industrial Transformation

• Analyze the economic boom fueled by wartime production and its impact on America’s post-war prosperity.
• Discuss how the war accelerated technological innovation and reshaped the workforce, including the rise of women and minorities in industries.

The GI Bill and Its Legacy

• Investigate the impact of the GI Bill in reshaping American education, housing, and the middle class.
• Highlight how returning veterans used these benefits to drive community growth and the post-war economic boom.

Mental Health and Community Support

• Explore the psychological toll of WWII on veterans and how society addressed (or failed to address) combat fatigue, now known as PTSD.
• Discuss the role of families and communities in supporting veterans’ reintegration into peacetime life.

Honoring Sacrifice and Building Legacy

• Examine how America has commemorated the service and sacrifices of WWII veterans through memorials, historical preservation, and storytelling.
• Analyze the ways in which this generation shaped modern concepts of patriotism and civic responsibility.

Teaching the Transformation

• Present strategies for educators to help students understand the societal shifts sparked by WWII, including civil rights advancements and America’s emergence as a superpower.
• Share classroom activities that engage students with personal narratives, local histories, and broader national themes to connect WWII’s legacy to their own communities.

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Presentation Proposal Guidelines

Educators are encouraged to submit presentation proposals that align with the conference theme. Proposals may include, but are not limited to:

• Lesson plans and curriculum designs.
• Innovative teaching methodologies.
• Research findings related to the transformation of America during and after World War II.
• Personal narratives or case studies highlighting the impact of the war on specific communities.

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Submission Deadline

Proposals must be submitted by February 7, 2025. Submissions will be reviewed by the conference committee, and accepted presenters will be notified by February 28, 2025.

This conference aims to inspire educators to explore and convey the rich history of America's transformation during World War II and its enduring impact on the nation. Together, we will honor the sacrifices made and ensure that future generations understand the lessons embedded in this critical chapter of our history.