In 1998, TEA joined with the University of Washington’s East Asia Resource Center, Indiana University’s Asian Studies Program, Columbia University’s East Asia Curriculum Project, and the Five College Center for East Asian Studies to undertake this national, multi-year initiative to encourage and facilitate curriculum improvement in Asian studies at the secondary level. In 2008, these institutions were joined by the University of Pittsburgh Asian Studies Center and the University of Southern California US-China Institute.

Each year, NCTA supports online and in-person courses and programs ranging in length from one to 40 hours. Formats include seminars, book groups, workshops, webinars, and summer institutes. Most of our online courses are open to teachers nationally. NCTA’s interactive online format, integrating live discussions with asynchronous discussion boards in many cases, encourages a community of inquiry among educators who have a responsibility to teach about Asia. Participants in NCTA courses offered through TEA receive stipends, materials, and the opportunity to apply for continuing study through NCTA-sponsored study tours to China, Japan, or Korea, contingent upon annual funding. Over 70,000 teachers have participated in NCTA seminars around the country since the start of the program.

See our homepage for our Winter/Spring 2024 programming. 

See TEA-NCTA 25th Anniversary Alumni Curriculum Project

See all opportunities and resources for educators nationwide on the NCTA national website.