The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles(KCCLA) and the Korea Academy for Educators(KAFE) hosted the seventh annual seminar on Korean history and culture and the Korean American experience from August 2 to August 6, 2010.  Sixty educators (administrators and K-12 teachers) participated in the five day workshop from throughout California and twelve other states. In addition to this seminar KAFE offers Saturday workshops, and free school district professional development programs. At the completion of all these courses, teachers are prepared to teach Korean history and culture and to bring Korea into the life of their schools. They are also much better prepared to understand their Korean American students and their families. All participants receive many excellent books, lessons, PowerPoint lectures, and DVDs to teach Korea.

Since 2004, KAFE has provided educational programs for over 1,728 educators from 76 school districts and 39 independent schools from 22 states and Washington, D.C.

  The curriculum provides an understanding of Korean history, fosters an awareness of its rich culture, and makes available outstanding resources and lessons. Participants learn about Korea from prominent scholars, are introduced to hangeul, learn to read and speak some Korean, read Korean poetry and short stories, view engaging and informative films, explore Koreatown, savor delicious Korean food, visit a Buddhist temple, view exquisite art, hear the unique sounds of Korean music, enjoy a lesson on Korean drums, observe teens performing traditional dances, learn the theory and experience the practice of Taekwondo, observe a traditional tea ceremony, and create art that reflects ancient tradition. They also learn about the opportunities available to teach in Korea. After the seminar many of the teachers develop units of instruction on Korea, organize workshops to educate teachers in their districts about Korea, and publish articles and lessons on Korea in “Education About Asia,” the leading journal for high school educators who teach Asia.