TRU Educator Advisory Board
Help shape K–12 programs that impact thousands of students who visit the Truman Presidential Library & Museum each year. TRU Educator Advisory Board members connect with colleagues across schools and districts who are interested in historical thinking and using the Library’s collections in their classrooms.
Each Board member will receive a $500 honorarium, paid at the end of the academic year upon fulfillment of Board responsibilities.
Interested educators are invited to complete the online application form by June 30, 2026.
Membership
In its first year, the Board will include up to 10 current K–12 teachers and/or administrators. Members will represent a range of Missouri and Kansas schools and districts, including public, parochial and private/independent schools.
Advisory Board Goals
The goal of the Educator Advisory Board (EAB) is to advise and support the Library’s Education staff in developing and promoting programs for students and teachers. The Board helps ensure all K–12 educators and students can access and use the Library’s resources and connect with colleagues who share similar goals.
This includes:
- Providing feedback on programs in development so they align with classroom curriculum.
- Promoting the Library’s K–12 programs with teachers locally and nationally.
- Helping the Library stay informed about state legislation and school or district policies related to K–12 education.
- Communicating national trends or concerns that affect teachers’ ability to use primary sources in their lessons.
- Identifying topics of interest to K–12 teachers, especially those tied to curriculum frameworks and learning standards across subject areas (history/social studies, civics/government, English language arts, visual arts, STEM/STEAM, etc.).
Board members serve in an advisory role; the Board is not a policymaking body.
Advisory Board Responsibilities
The Board will meet four times each school year for meetings of up to two hours held outside of school hours. Three meetings will be on Zoom and one will take place at the Truman Library or the Truman Library Institute, with dates set as early as possible to maximize attendance.
Each Board member is also expected to participate in at least one current Education program, such as:
- An on-site field trip with their students
- A teacher professional development program
- The White House Decision Center
- Another educational opportunity
This engagement helps Board members better understand the strengths and challenges of the Library’s Education programs. Any associated program fees will be waived for Board members.
Advisory Board Benefits
Each Board member will receive a $500 honorarium, paid at the end of the academic year upon fulfillment of Board responsibilities. Board members will also receive:
- A Teacher’s Membership
- Four complimentary adult admission tickets to the Library each year
- Access to teacher professional development opportunities at no charge
Advisory Board Terms
The inaugural group of Board members can choose to serve a one- or two-year term, from September 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 or 2028. At the end of the term, Board members may re-apply for a second two-year term.
Application Process
Interested educators should complete the online application form by June 30, 2026. Education staff from the Library and Institute will review applications, with invitations to join the Board sent no later than August 2026.