EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Character Development Program
The Medal of Honor Character Development Program provides teachers with lessons and activities that explore the concepts of courage, commitment, sacrifice, patriotism, integrity, and citizenship—as well as how these values can be exemplified in daily life. These character education lessons feature extraordinary military and civilian stories, providing students with concrete examples to live by. A yearlong initiative is underway to work with teachers across the state to incorporate these lessons into their classrooms.
To kick off the program, in September 2022, the Museum welcomed 35 local educators to its campus for a full-day training with Medal of Honor Recipient Brian Thacker, a former US Army Lieutenant who served in the Vietnam War. More than 30 additional teachers from Jefferson Parish underwent training this past winter, and 50 more educators will be trained this spring.
Additional training sessions and outreach will be held for middle and high school teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators. The program will also be incorporated into the Museum’s Summer Teacher Seminar and Student Leadership Academy sessions. During the Convention, Medal of Honor Recipients will visit local schools that participate in the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, bringing the lessons to life for area students.