We have lost many things since the outbreak of COVID-19: Social proximity, going to our favorite restaurant or movie, birthday parties, hair cuts, and the list goes on. Of all of those things, the loss of face-to-face time with our students and colleagues is the one that hurts the most. The loss of summer plans for professional development just add insult to injury. It seems like the time to throw in the towel and just give up!
But wait . . . there are still reasons to hope. Many of the leading Holocaust organizations know exactly what educators are going through and have quickly adapted to meet our needs. The following is a list of professional development opportunities being offered this summer. Travel may not be possible this year, but there are always ways to build knowledge and make new connections.
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
Museum of Tolerance:
http://www.museumoftolerance.com/for-professionals/programs-workshops/free-professional-development-for-educators/
Yad Vashem:
https://www.yadvashem.org/education/online-courses.html
European Holocaust Research Infrastructure:
https://training.ehri-project.eu/
Planning for next year:
The NC Council on the Holocaust offers a variety of travelling exhibits at no charge. Take some time to browse their collection to see how they can enhance your students’ learning and bring something new to your school community.
The USHMM has a Virtual Field Trip to their museum for you and your students. Find out more here:
https://www.ushmm.org/teach/teaching-materials/primary-sources-collections/virtual-field-trip
The World Jewish Congress, with the support of UNESCO, has developed a very simple and easy to navigate website for students. It addresses the questions about the Holocaust in a way that will complement any Holocaust class or unit. Take a look:
https://aboutholocaust.org//
Expand you understanding of the Roma and Sinti experience during the Holocaust with these two excellent websites:
http://www.romasintigenocide.eu/en/home (text and pictures)
https://romasinti.eu/#home (Individual stories – excellent quality website!)
Binge Watching Opportunities:
University of California TV has a wonderful variety of films on the Holocaust and related topics: https://www.uctv.tv/search/?keyword=holocaust
PBS also has a wonderful selection: https://www.pbs.org/search/?q=holocaust