Tuesday, July 30–Thursday, August 1
The Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 14th Biennial Educators’ Conference, Teaching Difficult History: How Our Past Informs Our Present, will include an original dance performance, speakers, workshops, and a trip to the Virginia Holocaust Museum.
The highly praised conference provides educators with tools, strategies, and techniques for promoting respect, empathy, and accountability in their classrooms. Studying the lessons of the Holocaust provides educators with a platform for teaching tolerance and acceptance.
This year, the conference starts out with the new Evening with the Arts at Norfolk Academy, centered on an original dance presentation by the Elbert Watson Dance Company. The evening will also include light hors d’oeuvres, an opportunity to meet conference keynote speakers in an informal setting, and welcoming remarks from State Education Board member, Elizabeth Lodal. The conference includes an “in-school” segment on Wednesday, July 31, at Norfolk Academy, and a “field trip” on Thursday, August 1, to the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond.
Keynote speakers on July 31 are Dr. Alan Marcus of the University of Connecticut, Dr. Jeremy Stoddard of the University of Wisconsin, and Dr. Jeff Eargle of the University of South Carolina.
Meals, educational materials, and professional educational credits, are also provided for registered educators. As with the Holocaust Commission’s 2017 conference, a “community option” is offered to hear the keynote speakers and enjoy lunch with them and all participants.
Thursday’s group trip to the Virginia Holocaust Museum includes a presentation by Dr. Charles Sydnor, VHM senior historian, an educators’ tour of the museum, and two current special exhibits, including Holocaust By Bullets, showcasing the work of January visiting speaker, Father Patrick Desbois. Bus transportation, museum admission, and meals are included in the conference cost.
Registration before June 30, is $75; after June 30, is $100.
The community option, including the Evening of the Arts, costs $50. Email info@holocaustcommission.org for information.
To attend just the Evening of the Arts, the cost is $25. Call 757‑965-6125, email info@holocaustcommission.org or visit holocaustcommission.jewishva.org/educators-conference for more information, to download a brochure, or to register.