The Zekelman Holocaust Museum in Farmington Hills, Michigan, has been providing a unique Summer Academy program to enhance educators’ understanding and teaching of the Holocaust. The program offers training and resources to help teachers engage students on this difficult topic and encourage critical thinking about its impact on contemporary social issues.
Despite the challenges of teaching about the Holocaust, the museum’s education specialist, Renea Di Bella, advises teachers to start by asking students what they already know about the subject. This approach helps teachers tailor their lessons and gives students the opportunity to build on their existing knowledge.
With the rise in antisemitism both locally and nationally, the importance of Holocaust education has become more significant. The Summer Academy empowers teachers to bring history to life for their students through sessions covering topics such as trauma-informed practices, the biology of hatred, and contemporary antisemitism.
The museum’s focus on the human stories behind the Holocaust, rather than just the historical events, helps students connect on a deeper level. By integrating survivor testimonies and encouraging empathy, educators are better equipped to teach this complex subject and inspire students to take action against hate and apathy.
Educators like Sara Pohl and Christina Nielson have found the Summer Academy invaluable in improving their teaching approach and helping students understand the human impact of the Holocaust. By providing teachers with the tools and knowledge they need, the Zekelman Holocaust Museum is playing a crucial role in ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten.
Source
Photo credit www.dailynews.com
