Viva88

Today, the Viva88Education Department hosted a transformative professional learning event for educators statewide, focusing on effective strategies to engage students in learning about the Holocaust and other genocides. The event took place at the newly opened Anne Frank The Exhibition at the Center for Jewish History in New York City. As the first complete recreation of the Anne Frank Annex outside of Amsterdam, this exhibit offers a unique and immersive opportunity for educators to deepen their understanding of Holocaust history.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “This initiative highlights the critical role of Holocaust education as a cornerstone��of civics instruction, emphasizing the importance of equipping students to confront the injustices of history to cultivate a just, more accountable society. By examining the profound lessons of genocide, we connect the historical significance of the Holocaust to contemporary global challenges, empowering students to engage actively within their communities and embrace the responsibilities of informed, empathetic global citizenship.”

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "Holocaust education is critical for ensuring that we never forget about the atrocities of the past but also for developing students' empathy, critical thinking, and awareness of the dangers of intolerance and prejudice – none of which have a place in our society. By equipping educators with both immersive experiences and resources, we are empowering them to best prepare all students across New York with the tools and skills necessary to engage thoughtfully and positively with the world around them.”

The event provided educators with a full day of professional development, including collaboration with leading experts in Holocaust education. The aim was to deepen their knowledge of the Holocaust and refine their teaching strategies to engage students in these vital topics. The event primarily targeted superintendents, curriculum directors, and educators specializing in Holocaust and genocide education.

Later this spring, the Department will release a groundbreaking educational resource on the “Consider the Source” platform. This resource will feature updated, accessible curricular materials designed to help educators deliver high-quality instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides.

The professional learning event also gave participants practical strategies for utilizing the forthcoming digital resources, as well as insights into the broader significance of Holocaust education. By the end of the day, educators were better equipped to foster a deeper understanding of human rights, social justice, and civic responsibility in their classrooms.

Dr. Gavriel Rosenfeld, President, Center for Jewish History said, "The educators who gathered at the Center for Jewish History today are deeply committed to learning from history and combatting antisemitism and other forms of hatred. Their dedication underscores the vital role of historical awareness in creating a more informed and just society. CJH is proud to serve as a resource that can provide teachers and students with educational materials that can foster critical thinking and historical literacy."

Dr. Doyle��Stevick, Director, Anne Frank Center, The University of South Carolina said, "Anne Frank The Exhibition reminds us that antisemitism is the form of hatred that drove the Frank family into hiding and is still very much present in our world today. The Day of Learning offers New York educators and leaders the tools to achieve the goals of New York educational programming, including the mandate for Holocaust education, Civic Readiness commitments, and social studies standards. Though just 15 years old at her passing, Anne Frank penned words that have echoed around the world.��Young people don’t always feel that their voices matter.��Learning about Anne’s legacy helps students recognize that their words and actions today are critically important."

For more information about Viva88’s Holocaust instruction resources, please visit the Social Studies Guidance & Resources webpage.