SU’s School of Education awarded grant to launch Holocaust education program

SU’s School of Education awarded grant to launch Holocaust education programJanuary 24, 2006Patrick Farrellpmfarrel@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s School of Education, in conjunction with the Warren Fellowship for Future Educators and the Holocaust Museum Houston, is ready to launch a fellowship program called “The Holocaust: Lessons for the Classroom.” It is designed to train future teachers on approaches for teaching about the Holocaust in the classroom, which is mandated in New York and 16 other states.

The program will begin with an intensive six-day summer institute (May 21-May 26) at the Holocaust Museum Houston in Houston, Texas. It will continue during the fall semester with follow-up seminars at Syracuse University taught by an interdisciplinary group of SU faculty, including curriculum experts, experienced Holocaust educators and content area specialists who will facilitate discussions on pedagogical approaches to this difficult subject.

The program is based on the premise that teaching about the Holocaust provides opportunities to examine the basic moral issue of what it means to be a responsible citizen in a democratic society. Studying the Holocaust brings understanding to the ramifications of prejudice, racism and stereotyping, and the value of pluralism to encourage tolerance of diversity in a pluralistic society.

Andrew and Helen Spector established the Fellowship for Future Educators to honor their mother, Naomi Warren, a Holocaust survivor who overcame her personal tragedy to become a symbol of perseverance, determination and success. The Warren Fellowship will support the program for five years and covers all student expenses, including round-trip transportation to Houston; housing, meals and special events while in Houston; and all classroom materials in Houston and Syracuse.

The program is open to School of Education students who will be enrolled in a school placement during the 2006-07 academic year. The initial cohort will be limited to five students, who may register for credit. Students interested in applying for the fellowship should contact Alan Goldberg at agoldbe1@twcny.rr.com or (315) 637-8665. Applications must be received by March 12. Recipients will be notified by March 31.