Introduction to Teaching Resource Materials
Korean Americans are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups whose history in the United States reaches back to the late 1800s. According to the 2020 Census, Korean Americans are California’s fifth-largest Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Yet, despite our contributions to economic and community development, our presence in the K-12 setting is negligible in recognition of both curricular content and robust academic achievement.
It is essential to have a well-balanced curriculum representing diverse groups’ contributions to U.S. history and their success stories, including the hardships ethnic minority groups faced and how they overcame racial discrimination. It is vital to highlight Korean American history as well, especially in Southern California, where many Korean Americans reside and where many great Korean Americans have worked and thrived. As such, we have collaborated with scholars, educators, and community leaders to develop the Korean American Ethnic Studies curriculum and teaching resource materials, as the first step in creating a non-anti-Asian, equitable and inclusive society for all.
There are many individuals we would like to recognize and express gratitude for supporting us until the groundbreaking book, Korean American Ethnic Studies Curriculum: Teaching Resource Materials for K-12 Classrooms, is published. We have further refined and expanded the teaching materials to include in the newly developed KAS Online website for a wider dissemination. We particularly want to thank the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles for their support. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Education Consul Ha Young Choi, for her tireless support throughout the process to produce this resource website to teach about Korean history and Korean American Studies in K-16 classrooms effectively. In addition, we appreciate the Korean American Studies Education Foundation (KASEF) for managing the operation of the new KAS ONLINE.net.
On this website, you will find both Korea studies and Korean American Ethnic Studies teaching resource materials that teachers can easily connect with other lessons. These teaching materials are just the beginning of our work and are not representative of all Korean American experiences. More Korean American Studies lessons should be developed, and teacher training should also be carried out. If you know other Korean American heroes and pioneers whose accomplishments will inspire our K-16 students with unique learning outcomes, please feel free to share their stories with us. Our profound presence and contributions deserve to be passed on to all Americans and to future generations.
Finally, we extend our greetings to all who will benefit and gain valuable insights from this website, and hope you will enjoy reading and learning. Thank you, everyone!
Respectfully,
Grace Cho, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Secondary Education
California State University, Fullerton