2026 Norman M. Wall

Teachers Institute

2026 Theme: The Fragility of Democracy

June 1–4 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Holocaust Center

In-Person & Virtual | Hosted on Talent LMS Platform

The Institute

The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida is proud to present the annual Teachers Institute, a professional development experience for K–12 educators. This four-day institute explores the fragility of democracy through the Holocaust, tracing events from prewar Jewish life to the loss of rights under the Nuremberg Laws. Using survivor testimony and primary sources, educators learn to teach this history responsibly.

This hybrid event runs June 1–4 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Local participants are strongly encouraged to attend in person for at least 4 full days.

Sessions will be hosted in-person and streamed live through Talent LMS.

Snacks and drinks will be provided daily.

Register

Schedule

DAY 1 | MONDAY, JUNE 1

Teaching the Holocaust and Historical Foundations

Establish a research-informed framework for responsible Holocaust teaching and explore the vibrant Jewish communities that existed before the war.

DAY 2 | TUESDAY, JUNE 2

The Gradual Breakdown of Democracy

Examine how the Weimar Republic collapsed and explore the role of propaganda, law, and ordinary citizens in the dismantling of democratic institutions.

DAY 3 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

Human Experiences During the Holocaust

Centers human stories and moral complexity, with clear guidance on using testimony ethically and effectively

DAY 4 | THURSDAY, JUNE 4

Memory, Responsibility, and Classroom Practice

Bridge the museum experience with classroom reality. Leave with concrete materials, a completed lesson plan, and a clear path forward for your students.

Special Session: Live Virtual Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Participants will engage in a live, guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, used as a facilitated discussion tool to examine how and when difficult content should be introduced in trauma-informed instruction.

Featured Speakers

Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess

Associate Professor of Practice at Teachers College, Columbia University | Bosnian Genocide Survivor

Allan Hall

Holocaust Survivor | Author, Hiding in Plain Sight

Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess

Associate Professor of Practice at Teachers College, Columbia University | Bosnian Genocide Survivor

Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess

Associate Professor of Practice at Teachers College, Columbia University | Bosnian Genocide Survivor

Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess

Associate Professor of Practice at Teachers College, Columbia University | Bosnian Genocide Survivor

FLORIDA EDUCATORS INCENTIVES

$250 Travel Support + Free Books

A limited number of in-person participants will receive a $250 travel stipend to offset travel costs. Awarded upon full participation and completion of institute requirements.

Teaching and learning about the Holocaust provides an essential opportunity to inspire critical thinking, societal awareness, and personal growth.

Decades after the event, societies continue to wrestle with both the memory and historical record of the Holocaust in the midst of contemporary challenges.

FAQs

    • Dynamic Guest Speakers

    • Interactive Workshop Sessions

    • Survivor and Descendant Voices

    • Live Virtual Tour of Auschwitz

    • Cross-Curricular Resources for Your Classroom

  • All sessions and resources will be aligned to:

    • Florida’s Holocaust Education Mandate

    • Florida Social Studies & ELA Standards

    • CPALMS crosswalks for interdisciplinary teaching

  • Yes, you will broaden your approach to Holocaust education through:

    • Literature and primary source integration

    • Analyzing Systems and Choices in the Holocaust with a civics lens

    • Strategies for teaching difficult history with compassion

    • Tools for trauma-aware classrooms and civic engagement