EDUCATION

Holocaust Education Seminar

Teaching the Holocaust for Ohio Educators

June 9-10, 2026

Why This Seminar Exists

For the past four years, Congregation Beth Tikvah has partnered with JewishColumbus to host a two-day Holocaust education seminar for teachers across Ohio. What began as a local conversation about how the Holocaust is taught in our schools has grown into a meaningful professional development experience serving educators from multiple districts and disciplines.

After meeting with national Holocaust education organizations and local school leaders, Rabbi Rick Kellner and a group of Jewish and non-Jewish community members identified a clear need: teachers wanted stronger historical grounding, reliable primary sources, and guidance for addressing contemporary antisemitism in responsible, age-appropriate ways.

The seminar is designed not only to strengthen Holocaust education, but also to help educators understand Jewish life — both during the Holocaust and today.

Educators Leave With...

Concrete historical knowledge grounded in scholarship
Ready-to-use classroom materials
Primary source documents, survivor testimony, and vetted resources
Tools for addressing antisemitism in contemporary contexts
A professional network that continues beyond the two-day workshop
Participants also receive a certificate for 12 contact hours (1.2 CEUs)

2026 Seminar Information

Tuesday, June 9 & Wednesday, June 10, 2026

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
This seminar is free to attend.

Lunch will be provided each day.

DAY ONE:

DAY TWO:

Featured Scholar & Presenter:

Laura J. Hilton

Laura J. Hilton is Professor and Miriam Schwartz Faculty Scholar at Muskingum University. She is co-editor of Understanding and Teaching the Holocaust (University of Wisconsin Press) and has published widely on Holocaust education, including in The History Teacher. She has led workshops for the Holocaust Education Resource and Outreach Program at the University of Connecticut, the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission, and the Holocaust and Education Resource Center in Milwaukee.

Dr. Hilton will lead Day One with a comprehensive, historically grounded exploration of antisemitism and the Holocaust.

Additional Presenters:

Rabbi Rick Kellner

Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Tikvah

Aaron Taylor

MA candidate in Holocaust & Genocide Studies

Debbi Sugarman

Second-generation Holocaust Survivor

Who Should Attend?

Middle and high school teachers (Grades 6–12)
Anyone responsible for Holocaust instruction
Language Arts and Social Studies educators
Library & Media Specialists
Curriculum coordinators
School administrators

“There is no better way to connect the past to the present than this seminar. Through engaging and emotional testimonials, art, and primary sources, Echoes and Reflections showed me how the seemingly distant past—both its tragedy and its triumph—can help us work toward a better tomorrow.”

“This was an incredible learning experience that should be standard for anyone who teaches the Holocaust. The ready-made, well-designed lessons and materials will be invaluable for student learning.”

“Best professional development I have attended in years. The stories, the emotional connections, and the resources were incredible.”

“I left with amazing resources, engaged in thought-provoking conversations, and gained a deeper understanding of both the Holocaust and antisemitism in the world today.”

“This seminar goes beyond teaching the Holocaust. The lessons can also help students understand prejudice and racism more broadly. The materials are practical and can be used immediately in the classroom.”

“The opportunity to reflect deeply on such an important topic was powerful. I left with pages of ideas and resources I can incorporate directly into my classroom.”

“This experience was unlike any professional development I have attended. The resources were outstanding, and I felt truly welcomed by the community at Beth Tikvah.”

“This seminar had an impact on me both professionally and personally. I feel better equipped to help students understand the Holocaust and develop empathy for marginalized communities.”

Questions?

Email Rabbi Rick Kellner

The Holocaust Educators Seminar is made possible by the generosity of…

Jacqueline & Mitchelle Kon through their establishment of Kon Family Fund for Holocaust Education

Maria & Steven Rosenthal through their establishment of the Martin & Marian Rosenthal Legacy Fund for Holocaust Education.