LMU educators designed the DVLP’s approach to expanding cemetery-based learned into classrooms and communities. This included teaching courses at LMU and supporting K12 teachers in using veteran histories, archival research, national cemeteries, and the Veterans Legacy Memorial as meaningful tools for student learning.
Professional development introduced K12 educators to approaches such as Cemetery as Text and Place as Text, primary-source research, veteran biography development, and place-based learning. Teachers then adapted these strategies to their own disciplines, grade levels, and instructional goals.
As the project evolved, educator engagement expanded into the Teacher Ambassador Program, which provided sustained support for K12 educators developing and implementing interdisciplinary curriculum. Teacher Ambassadors created classroom-ready units and lesson plans designed for continued use beyond the grant.
Educators have been core to building sustainable, adaptable approached to cemetery-based veteran-centered education.