Teach the Middle East Conference for K-12 Educators

Our Teach the Middle East Conference for K-12 Educators had a special emphasis on the magnificent, ancient, and strategic cultures of Turkey, Iran, Israel and the Arab speaking world.

A keynote panel of students from these cultures was featured, along with curriculum workshops and breakout sessions on religion, language, geography, literature, women, the family, culture, current affairs and more.

Special features of the day included:
•“Opposing Viewpoints” -- a workshop that addressed Israeli/ Palestine issues
• Portrait of Turkey -- three workshops dedicated to Turkish culture, history, and current affairs, an ethnic lunch featuring Turkish cuisine, entertainment and opportunity for attendees to apply for a Study Tour of Turkey that summer.
• Portraits of Iran, Israel, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.
• Islam and World History with Barbara Petzen of the Middle East Policy Council.
•Middle Eastern Market and information fair with the opportunity to visit with members of local Middle Eastern organizations.

Teach the Middle East was co-sponsored by The World Affairs Council of Oregon and PSU’s Middle East Studies Center. Many curricular materials were available at the Conference, both free and for purchase.