Teaching about the Holocaust through Literature Summer Seminar

Holocaust literature offers a powerful lens to deepen historical understanding, strengthen critical thinking, and inspire meaningful reflection. How can Holocaust narratives help middle and high school students grapple with profound questions about human behavior, responsibility, and moral decision-making? How can Holocaust literature help the memory of the Holocaust live on, and shape the way we continue to interact with our world? What power comes with telling your own story and engaging with the stories of others?

This seminar will spotlight Facing History’s Teaching Holocaust Literature Collection designed for grades 7-12.

Teaching about the Holocaust through literature creates space for intellectual, emotional, and ethical engagement. Through nonfiction and fiction narratives of the Holocaust, we’ll discuss ways to help your students:

• Grapple with profound questions about human behavior, responsibility, and moral decision-making, on their own and in conversation with others
• Develop the awareness and skills to navigate complex moral issues in the world today
• Draw connections between the past and present, building on the study of Holocaust literature to challenge contemporary antisemitism, bias, and hate
• Engage with practical strategies throughout the seminar to help create a safe and thoughtful learning environment for engaging with emotionally challenging content

This in person, 2-day offering is for:

• Middle or high school teams of 2-4 consisting of a school/district administrator, ELA teacher(s), teacher(s) who is involved with Holocaust education
• 7-12 grade ELA teachers
• 7-12 grade teachers of the Holocaust

Schedule: Live sessions will take place from 10 am – 3 pm on August 18th and from 9am to 2pm on August 19th, 2026.