Educators Will Teach About the Holocaust and Genocide This Year, Thanks to JFCS-Led Trainings.
In just two and a half years, the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education has rapidly evolved into a powerful statewide initiative, equipping over 2,300 California educators with the tools to teach these critical topics. With 14 partner organizations, the Collaborative has directly trained 1,300 educators and reached 1,000 more via peer-sharing and resources.
During the 2023-24 school year, an implementation study revealed that over 95% of trained teachers found the curricula highly relevant, with 94% applying it across various subjects and 75% sharing insights with colleagues. This collaboration underscores the growing influence of the initiative and educators’ commitment to improving Holocaust and genocide education.
As one teacher participant said:
It’s never easy to teach about [the Holocaust and genocide], but being given opportunities to learn from various professors and educators made me feel more confident to incorporate different aspects of the Holocaust into my teaching.
While teachers seek more time for this content amid packed curricula, the Collaborative’s impact is clear. By 2029, it aims to train 8,500 teachers, reach all districts with grades 6-12, and educate 1.1 million students.
Looking ahead, the Collaborative and the California Department of Education will host a one-day institute in January 2025, providing resources for school administrators to foster safe, inclusive schools.