Foundations Course: Holocaust History and Pedagogy

OVERVIEW:

The Foundations Course in Holocaust History & Pedagogy provides educators with a concise chronological study of the Holocaust paired with sound instructional practice.

Across 9 online sessions, participants engage with primary sources, deepen historical understanding, and learn inquiry‑based strategies for teaching this complex history with accuracy and confidence.  

The course includes a full unit of classroom‑ready materials containing lesson plans, student handouts, and slide decks, grounded in USHMM Guidelines and aligned with academic standards.

While ideal for MN educators preparing for the 2026 mandate, it’s valuable for all teachers seeking high‑quality Holocaust training.

This course offers a comprehensive, evidence‑based approach to teaching one of history’s most challenging subjects. 

• Full, concise Holocaust unit 

• Classroom‑ready materials 

  • Detailed lesson plans 

  • Student handouts 

  • Slide decks with teacher notes 

• Primary‑source‑rich instruction anchored in documented evidence 

• Inquiry‑based teaching strategies that strengthen critical thinking 

• Pedagogical training grounded in USHMM Guidelines & best practices 

• Live, online sessions with required attendance to support continuity 

• Professional learning community with ongoing support 

• CEUs provided through St. Cloud State University

What You'll Gain:

• Peadgogical Approaches

• What is Judaism?

• Diversity of Jewish Experiences and Pre-War Life

• Antisemitism: Historical to Contemporary

• Rise of Nazism

• Power of Propaganda

• Challenges of Escape

• Collaboration and Complicity

• Rescue and Resistance Efforts

• Incremental Escalation: Ghettos, Camps, “Final Solution”

• Aftermath of WWII and the Holocaust: Liberation, Displaced Persons (DP) Camps, continued antisemitism, Nuremberg International Military Tribunals, Jewish Resiliency

Topics Covered: