Educators from across California will gather this November for a two-day conference in Long Beach, where they will have the opportunity to explore the rich histories, cultures and refugee experiences of Cambodian Americans.
Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education, the Cambodian American Studies Conference will be held on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel. Long Beach, which is home to a significant Cambodian American population, provides an appropriate setting for the introduction of this new educational initiative.
The event will showcase the newly developed Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum — a comprehensive collection of lesson plans, primary sources and resources designed to support K-12 educators in teaching about Cambodian American experiences. The curriculum includes lesson plans, primary sources and tools for culturally responsive teaching, emphasizing scaffolding for multilingual learners and students with special needs.
The curriculum was developed through collaboration with scholars, community members and the California Department of Education as part of Education Finance Bill AB 167. It aligns with state standards and is intended to foster a deeper understanding of Cambodian American history and contributions.
The conference will include keynote speeches, breakout sessions and workshops focused on best practices for implementing the curriculum. Highlights include a panel of survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime who will share their personal stories during a closing session on Nov. 15. On the following day, the conference will conclude with a student panel, providing perspectives from the next generation.
“We are proud to introduce the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing inclusive education,” said Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County superintendent of schools. “This conference will provide educators with the tools and resources they need to teach Cambodian American histories and traditions, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities we serve.”
Among more than 30 presenters, keynote speaker Dr. Chinary Ung — a Cambodian American composer and professor emeritus at UC San Diego — will share insights. Ung, the first faculty member from UC San Diego to be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, is celebrated for his contributions to music and cultural preservation.
The Long Beach conference is part of a series of events continuing through 2026. Stipends are available for educators from participating districts. The Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum, along with its companion resources, can be accessed for free through UC Davis’s California Model Curricula platform.
For more information and to register for the conference, visit tinyurl.com/CASMC-REG-01. Educators seeking additional details about the curriculum can visit the OCDE Model Curriculum webpage or contact ModelCurriculumInfo@ocde.us.