We have many tasks as teachers. At the most basic level we teach, assess, and follow administrative directives. At a deeper level we keep our eyes open for those students who need a little extra attention and guidance. We create lesson plans designed not only to impart knowledge, but also to elicit curiosity and engagement in our students. We volunteer to be club mentors and advisors because we know the value of working alongside our students outside of the classroom. In the midst of all this activity we can forget our needs.
February is a great time to focus on Professional Development opportunities. It is a long, gray month with very few holidays. Let’s face it; it can be the most dreaded month of the year for many educators. So, give yourself something to look forward to. Imagine gathering with like-minded educators and delving more deeply into topics that you cover in your classrooms. Envision yourself learning practical and time-tested methods of teaching Holocaust, human rights, or social justice issues. Look over the list below and choose one of the outstanding opportunities offered this coming spring and summer. As a teacher you do so much for others. It is time to treat yourself!
Webinars and Online Classes:
Facing History and Ourselves
https://www.facinghistory.org/upcoming-professional-development
Echoes and Reflections
http://echoesandreflections.org/prepare/?class=webinars
http://echoesandreflections.org/prepare/?class=online
IWitness USC Shoah Foundation
https://sfi.usc.edu/events/iwitness-professional-development-webinars
In North Carolina:
NC Council on the Holocaust Workshops
https://ncholocaustcouncil.org/opportunities-for-nc-educators/
Martin & Doris Rosen Summer Symposium
https://holocaust.appstate.edu/symposium
The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights Charlotte Summer Seminar
https://dmtarney.wixsite.com/tolicharlotte
In the U.S.:
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Belfer Conference:
https://www.ushmm.org/educators/professional-events-and-resources/belfer-educators-conference
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow Program:
https://www.ushmm.org/educators/professional-events-and-resources/museum-teacher-fellowship-program
The Alexander Lebenstein Teacher Education Institute
https://www.vaholocaust.org/resources-for-teachers/the-alexander-lebenstein-teacher-education-institute/
The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust and Human Rights New York Summer Seminar
https://www.toli.us/sponsored-programs/summer-seminar/
The Roma and Sam Kaltman Holocaust Studies for Educators
http://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/programs/holocaust-studies-for-educators/
For CATHOLIC School Educators:
Bearing Witness Program
https://www.adl.org/holocaust-education/bearing-witness-program
Overseas:
Echoes and Reflections Educational Journey through Poland with Yad Vashem
** Application deadline Feb. 15**
Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Teacher’s Program (Germany, Poland)
http://www.hajrtp.org/program.html