Summer Institute For Teachers Program in Escambia County
Kristen Wright, The Florida Holocaust Museum’s Writer and Digital Content Manager
The Florida Holocaust Museum’s Senior Educator, Sandy Mermelstein was in Pensacola, Florida (Escambia County) last week for The FHM’s Summer Institute for Teachers program. The FHM’s Summer Institute for Teachers program, which was offered in Partnership with the School District of Escambia County, was a unique opportunity for educators to attend a special seminar led by The FHM, former Senior Historian of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Peter Black and Holocaust Survivor Mary Wygodski.
On June 6-7, through the Institute, teachers began an investigation of the history of the Holocaust, the systematic, planned annihilation of European Jews and other groups by Nazi Germany from 1933-1945. Educators were equipped to return to their classrooms with the knowledge and pedagogical resources to teach in a manner that leads to an investigation of the ramifications of prejudice, racism and stereotyping.
Sandy Mermelstein presented Summer Institute attendees with a new online Museum Guide designed for educators who bring students on field trips to The FHM. The Guide helps educators incorporate a Museum visit into their curriculum and comply with Florida Standards. To download it click on the following link. The Museum Guide is a resource for teachers who don’t have an opportunity to visit The FHM.
The program was funded in part by Florida Department of Education Commissioner’s Task Force on Holocaust Education. Thank you to Florida Department of Education Commissioner’s Task Force on Holocaust Education and Rabbi Karl and Ruth Richter Fund for their support. Special thanks to Cherie Arnette (Social Studies Specialist for the Escambia County School District) for helping to organize this program!
Quotes from Summer Institute for Teachers program attendees:
“This workshop felt like the equivalent of 2 weeks (or more) in a college class on the history of the Holocaust. Thanks so much!”
“Thank you so much! I learned so much and cannot wait to share with my students.”
“It is wonderful to get an in-depth insight to the Holocaust. You two did a wonderful job! It was a lot to take in but so worth it. This summer institute really provided me with just the right piece to tie my lesson together. Thank you for coming up to Pensacola.”
“The Skype with Mary was the highlight of the program.”
“I was really impressed with Dr. Black’s display of knowledge in his lectures. He was astounding. He was really responsive to the questions I asked.”
Photos from Summer Institute for Teachers program in Escambia County:
