Florida Council Social Studies Workshop
Law, Rights, and the Fragility of Democracy
A nine-part virtual professional development series designed for Florida educators. Meeting on the third Thursday of each month, the series explores Holocaust history through the lenses of civics, democracy, human rights, and responsible citizenship. Each session provides standards-aligned instruction, classroom-ready resources, and practical strategies that educators can immediately implement to support Florida's Holocaust education requirements.
Sessions
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Nuremberg Laws and Jim Crow: Understanding How Law Can Legalize Discrimination
Examine how legal systems can be used to deny rights and institutionalize discrimination through a historical comparison of Nazi Germany's Nuremberg Laws and Jim Crow legislation in the United States. Participants will explore primary sources and classroom strategies that connect Holocaust history to civics and constitutional principles.
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From Democracy to Dictatorship: Lessons from the Weimar Republic
How does a democracy collapse? Explore the political, economic, and social conditions that led to the rise of Nazi Germany and examine the gradual erosion of democratic institutions and individual rights. Participants will gain inquiry-based lessons that help students understand the importance of civic engagement and protecting democratic values.
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The Nuremberg Trials: Justice, Human Rights, and Civic Responsibility
Discover how the Nuremberg Trials shaped modern concepts of justice, accountability, and human rights. Through primary sources and inquiry-based activities, participants will explore courtroom evidence, crimes against humanity, and engaging classroom strategies that connect Holocaust history to civics education.
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Teaching Through First-Person Narratives: Before, During, and After the Holocaust
Move beyond survival narratives by exploring the complete life stories of Holocaust survivors. Learn how to use first-person testimony to help students understand Jewish life before the Holocaust, experiences during persecution, and the resilience demonstrated in rebuilding lives after liberation. Includes Florida-based survivor resources and classroom activities.
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Holocaust Memorialization: Meaningful Remembrance in Schools
Design respectful and educational Holocaust remembrance experiences for your classroom or school community. This session shares best practices for planning commemorative activities, avoiding common pitfalls, and creating meaningful opportunities that honor victims and survivors while deepening historical understanding.
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Building Your Holocaust Education Toolkit
With countless Holocaust education resources available, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. This session highlights trusted organizations, primary sources, lesson plans, multimedia resources, and digital tools while helping educators curate a standards-aligned collection of materials tailored to their classrooms.
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Civil Discourse and Difficult Conversations
Develop strategies for leading respectful, evidence-based classroom discussions about Holocaust history and other challenging topics. Participants will learn practical discussion protocols, questioning techniques, and facilitation strategies that encourage thoughtful dialogue while remaining grounded in historical evidence and Florida standards.
