Extreme rise in Antisemitism is impetus of Vermont workshops

About 50 teachers recently convened to participate in the Sixth Annual Vermont Holocaust Memorial (VTHM) Educators Workshop in Montpelier. 

“Teaching the Holocaust Using the Humanities: Integrating Photographs, Literature, Art, and Poetry to Tell the Human Story” focused on bringing the human experience of that genocidal period to Vermont teachers and students. 

The program was facilitated by Echoes and Reflections, a national organization committed to ensuring that U.S. secondary school educators have access to high-quality, reliable Holocaust education.

The proceedings were introduced by State Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale. She is an active member of numerous Vermont Senate committees, including the Senate Education Committee.

“Educators are some of the most trusted sources of information and generational wisdom that we have in Vermont and in society,” shared Senator Hinsdale. “Holocaust education is so very much alive and rich and critical today.”

The Senator said, “There is sadly no better or well documented example of how to find your voice and how to combat structural and institutional bigotry and violence than the Holocaust.”

The Workshop, conducted by Todd Hennessy of Echoes & Reflections, was at capacity. Mr. Hennessywas a Museum Teacher Fellow with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and serves on multiple councils and advisory boards nationwide that work with Holocaust curricula, mandates, and resources. He has earned numerous awards and recognition for his work in Holocaust education.

“The past few years seem to present new challenges for all teachers, and the history of the Holocaust offers insights into teaching resilience, tolerance, and overcoming hatred,” observed Debora Steinerman, cofounder and President of VTHM. “We are gratified that such a large group of Vermont teachers have again joined us to gather valuable resources to educate future generations about this dark chapter in history, ensuring that the memory of the victims is honored and that the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant in our modern world.”

The Workshop also featured Josie Raynes, a 7^th grade student at Williston Central School. Ms. Raynes is working with the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina, to bring “Anne Frank: A History for Today” to Vermont. 

The exhibit tells the story of Anne Frank through photographs and “peer education,” in which Williston Central School students are responsible for most of the guided tours.

Ms. Raynes told Workshop attendees her involvement was driven by her heritage as the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, and family stories of survival and resilience.

“Anne Frank was someone, the same age as me, who endured all that she did, yet lived life with so much hope,” said Ms. Raynes. “The Exhibition at Williston Central would not be possible without the support of the school’s administration, faculty and parents’ help. I am hopeful that Anne Frank’s story will inspire everyone, as much as it has inspired me.”

Feedback from attendees was enthusiastic, said Steinerman. Oone educator noted: “I attended the Workshop last year, and this year I was excited to attend with a cohort of educators from my district. I am looking for other ways to incorporate art and literature into my teaching of the Holocaust as an English teacher – trying to find ways to incorporate critical thought, humanity, and different perspectives.”

“I [was] very happy with [the Workshop.] My eyes and mind were opened. I have so many new ideas, especially of how to incorporate poetry and art,” noted a teacher from Rutland.

Another teacher, from Mill River Union High School proclaimed: “This is education that should not be ignored.”

Acknowledgements

The Workshop was facilitated by Echoes & Reflections, considered to be the leading source for Holocaust educational materials and dynamic content, empowering teachers and students with the insight needed to question the past and foresight to impact the future. The organization is a joint program of the ADL, USC Shoah Foundation, and Yad Vashem. Their free programs are considered a premier tool for educators seeking to teach the Holocaust in a meaningful and impactful way, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of this complex historical event.

The Workshop was sponsored by the Vermont Holocaust Memorial (VTHM) – the only Holocaust educational memorial organization in the state. Through its Speaker’s Bureau, mobile exhibits, Leaf Project, and annual educator workshops, volunteer-run VTHM is committed to teaching the lessons of the Holocaust by honoring lives lost and sharing stories of survival. VTHM is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization which envisions a time when bigotry and hatred are replaced with respect for all. To donate or for more information on VTHM, its offerings and events, please visit: www.HolocaustMemorial-VT.org

Although Holocaust education is not yet required in Vermont secondary schools, VTHM is grateful for the cooperation of the Vermont Agency of Education and the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier for helping to host this year’s workshop.